South Carolina bought a light house for only $1? Well that's just what the State of South Carolina did when it bought the Morris Island Lighthouse.
How would you like to buy a fully operational lighthouse for only $1? Well that is just what the State of South Carolina did when it bought the Morris Island Lighthouse from the Save the Light organization for $1. The lighthouse had fallen into disrepair during some 38 years of private ownership, but the state was able to secure the lighthouse, and with it, allow the lighthouse to become eligible for federal funding for a much-needed facelift.
The 158 feet tall lighthouse was built in 1876. Originally it sat on Morris Island near Charleston, South Carolina. But after years of beach erosion, the black and white striped lighthouse now sits in water about 1600 feet off of the island's shore. The state wanted to preserve the landmark because of the history of the area surrounding it. Some of the first shots that marked the beginning of the Civil War were fired near the lighthouse, and many of the fallen soldiers are buried on Morris Island. As a matter of fact, in a solemn act of reverence for the fallen soldiers, the lighthouse keepers of the Morris Island Lighthouse gathered many of the soldiers' bones that has arose from the beach due to erosion in the 1930's and respectfully reburied them farther inland.
Access to the lighthouse is extremely limited right now, with access granted only for historical research or the occasional promotion for fundraising. However, it is visible by boat or by cruise tours.
