Harbour Town Light facts for kids
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Harbour Town Lighthouse | |
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Location | Hilton Head Island, South Carolina |
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Coordinates | 32°08′19″N 80°48′46″W / 32.13861°N 80.81278°W |
Year first constructed | 1969 |
Year first lit | 1970 |
Foundation | Concrete |
Construction | Stucco over metal lath and plywood |
Tower shape | Hexagonal tower |
Markings / pattern | Red and white bands |
Height | 90 feet (27 m) |
Original lens | White |
Characteristic | Fl W 2.5s |
ARLHS number | USA-1135 |
The Harbour Town Lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located at the Harbour Town Marina. You can find it on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. This lighthouse was built by a private company. It helps boats find their way safely, acting like a private guide for ships.
Even though it was built not too long ago, the lighthouse quickly became very popular. Today, it is a well-known symbol of Hilton Head Island. Many people recognize it because of "The Heritage" golf tournament. This event is shown on TV each year. The lighthouse stands proudly near the 18th hole of the Harbour Town Golf Links. This makes it a famous spot for golf fans around the world.
Building the Lighthouse
Construction of the Harbour Town Lighthouse began in 1969. It was finished and lit up in 1970. Charles Fraser led the project to build this unique lighthouse.
The lighthouse is shaped like an octagon, which means it has eight sides. It has a red observation deck right below the light. The tower itself is about 90 feet (27 m) tall. It is covered in stucco over a strong frame of metal and plywood.
Its outside is painted with bright red and white stripes. This pattern helps people see it clearly during the day. At night, it shines a white light that flashes every 2.5 seconds.
The lighthouse was built as part of the Harbour Town Marina and Sea Pines Plantation. It was always meant to be a place that people could visit.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
The Harbour Town Lighthouse is a popular place for tourists. Many people visit it on Hilton Head Island. You can even climb to the top!
There is a small fee to enter the Sea Pines Plantation area. Then, there is another small fee to go inside the lighthouse. Inside, you will find a museum. It has old photos that show the history of Harbour Town. There are also gift shops at the bottom and top of the lighthouse.
Around the lighthouse, you can find fun things to do. There is a playground for kids and a boat dock. During holidays, special events like a Christmas Train are often held here. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for weddings.