Sullivan's Island in Charleston County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Sullivan's Island Life-Saving Station
— Fort Sumter National Monument —
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
1. Sullivan's Island Life-Saving Station Marker
The US Life-Saving Service was created in 1878 when coastal shipping was a principal means of transportation. It’s purpose was to protect the lives and material involved in maritime trade. The only Life-Saving Station built in South Carolina, the Sullivan’s Island boathouse and quarters were constructed in 1895. The boathouse held two 20-foot-life-saving rowboats. The quarters building housed eight men. Members of the US Life-Saving Service worked in a dangerous occupation; two location station surfmen died in the line of duty, one in 1898 during a rescue attempt and another while on patrol in 1903.
In 1915 the Life-Saving Service and the Revenue Cutter service were combined to form the US Coast Guard Service. The Coast Guard used these buildings until 1973 when the National Park Service began leasing the structures and the US Coast Guard Historic District was established. When these two buildings were constructed the beach was much closer than it is today, reflecting the dynamic nature of a coastal barrier island. Today this area is part of Fort Sumter National Monument.
Erected by National Park Service / United States Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. US Coast Guard Historic District (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Charleston Light (about 300 feet away); Fort Moultrie (about 500 feet away); Rear Gate & Second Post Chapel (about 500 feet away); The Valor of Jimmie Dyess on Sullivan's Island and in Combat / The Remarkable Story of Jimmie Dyess (about 600 feet away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 0.2 miles away); Sergeant Jasper (approx. 0.3 miles away); Parade Ground and Flagpole Area (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sullivan's Island.
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
2. Sullivan's Island Life-Saving Station Marker
Boathouse with marker in front.
Photographed By Dave W, May 20, 2023
3. Sullivan's Island Life-Saving Station Marker
Quarters building that is next to the Boathouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Dave W of Co, Colorado. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
