South carolina lighthouses: The Cape Romain Lighthouse, located on Lighthouse Island near McClellanville, South Carolina, sits on Raccoon Key, 10 from the entrance to the Santee River.
The Cape Romain Lighthouse is located on Lighthouse Island near McClellanville, South Carolina. It sits on Raccoon Key, about 10 miles southwest of the entrance to the Santee River. Built in 1858 of wood and brick, it replaced the original 1827 tower, some of which is still standing nearby. The replacement was deemed necessary because it was thought that the older lighthouse was an inadequate one with regard to lighting and positioning.
The current Cape Romain lighthouse has a 150-foot-tall tower with an octagonal shape. The top 2/3 of the tower has the traditional black and white striped markings of most Carolina lighthouses, while the bottom 1/3 of the tower is solid white. Decommissioned in 1947, the Cape Romain Lighthouse was known for years as the "Leaning Lighthouse" because its foundation began to sink after its construction.
The Cape Romain Lighthouse now belongs to the U.S. Coast Guard and is used as a navigational aid, even though its light no longer shines to guide sailors safely to shore. Current efforts are underway to stabilize both lighthouses, which are slowly giving way to erosion. Neither lighthouse is open to the public, but you can see them by boat or on land. To get to McClellanville, take U.S. 17 until mile marker 33, then look for the sign on the right marking the intersection of S.C. Highway 45. Turn right and continue straight until you reach McClellanville.
