While on the Carolina Rover tour, you get a chance to see the North Island Lighthouse, also known as the Georgetown Lighthouse. The 87-foot white brick tower dates from 1812. It was refurbished in 1857 and given its fourth order Fresnel lens. It was also refurbished again in 1867 to repair damage sustained during the Civil War. Today, it still remains an aid to navigation, making it the oldest active lighthouse in South Carolina. In 2001, it was turned over the South Carolina Deptartment of Natural Resources. It is listed on the Natural Register of Historic Places. It is also one of the most remote lighthouses on the East Coast.
The lighthouse is also reportedly haunted. It is believed that the spirit of a former lighthouse keeper still remains here. The spirit of the daughter of a former keeper also reportedly haunts it. A former keeper and his daughter left the house to go into town to get provisions. On the way, a storm came up and their tiny boat was capsized, drowning the little girl. Her sprit is said to have remained behind, warning visitors of the potential danger that may lie ahead!
When you book your tour with the Carolina Rover, ask about seeing the lighthouse. This is the only way to see the lighthouse. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, you can walk up to it. But the boat does not always dock near the lighthouse. So if you are intent on going, inquire when you make your reservations. You can visit www.rovertours.com for tour information. If you would like to find out more about this lighthouse or read general lighthouse information, visit www.lighthousedepot.com. The website offers comprehensive lighthouse information, as well as lighthouse-related merchandise. You can also find out about subscribing to the Lighthouse Depot. This is a terrific monthly magazine devote entirely to lighthouses!