Morris Island Lighthouse

The Morris Island Lighthouse stands at the northeastern tip of Folly Island, no longer on dry land but rising from the water several hundred feet offshore — the island has eroded dramatically around it since the lighthouse was built in 1876. It is visible from the beach on Folly's northeast end, a striking image: a brick tower standing in the sea with nothing around it.

Getting close requires a kayak or paddleboard — the lighthouse is not accessible by foot. Kayak rentals are available on Folly Beach and the paddle out is easy in calm conditions. The surrounding waters have good birdlife and the sight of the isolated tower from water level is memorable. The Lighthouse Preservation Society runs occasional boat tours.

things to do sight history
A story
The Morris Island Lighthouse, built in 1876, now stands roughly a thousand feet offshore — the island has eroded so dramatically around it that what was once solid land is now open water. During the Civil War, the island was the site of the famous assault by the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, the African American regiment whose story was told in the film Glory. The lighthouse witnessed that assault.