Did You Know…
In the 1700s there were three islands that stretched for four miles between Folly Island and Sullivan’s Island. They were named Middle Bay Island, Morrison Island, and Cummings Point. The first Charleston lighthouse was built on Middle Bay Island in 1767. The lighthouse was designed by Samuel Cardy and built by Adam Miller and Thomas Young. The tower was cylindrical and stood 102 feet tall. The lantern room had a revolving lamp that had a range of about 12 miles. In 1858 a Fresnel lens was installed.
In the early 1800s the channel leading to Charleston began to shift causing a change in the tidal currents. Sand began to build up between the islands and this resulted in the three islands merging into a single island. Morrison Island was the center of the three and therefore the single island kept the name Morrison Island later being shortened to Morris Island.
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This was interesting information about the lighthouses. Although I am aware that Charleston is a beach town, the information about the history of lighthouses was something I had never thought about. Charleston is beautiful and I have heard nothing but good things about your city.