Parris Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Lighthouse Keepers Home

( Parris Island S.C. )

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 26, 2008

1. Lighthouse Keepers Home Marker

Inscription. The ruins in the woods before you are all that remain of the Parris Island lighthouse keeper's home.
Established in 1878, by 1881 there were two navigational beacons in operation here.

The keeper tended both at night. At the rear beacon this entailed hoisting a locomotive headlight 120 feet to the top of the tower every night and lowering it again in the morning.

The lighthouses were seperated by nearly two miles. A plank walkway on palmetto log pilings partially connected them. By 1894, over 4,300 feet of raised walkway had been built.

In the early 1900's erosion had taken a toll on the lighthouses. They were finally deactivated in 1912.

Erected by U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 32° 18.319′ N, 80° 40.578′ W. Marker is on Parris Island, South Carolina, in Beaufort County. Marker is on Balleau Wood Road. Along boardwalk, south hiking trail, at Balleau Wood Rd. circle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parris Island SC 29905, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Battle of Port Royal (within shouting distance of this marker); Parris Island Lighthouses

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(within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Parris Island Lighthouses (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Parris Island Plantations (about 300 feet away); Parris Island Indians (about 300 feet away); Aqui Estuvo España (about 300 feet away); The First Inhabitants (about 400 feet away); Fort San Marcos (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parris Island.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study nearby markers

Also see . . . Parris Island Lighthouse Keepers Home. On the Lighthouse Friends web site. (Submitted on September 16, 2009.)

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 26, 2008

2. Lighthouse Keepers Home Marker

Lighthouse Keepers Home , last remains, as seen along hiking trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 26, 2008

3. Lighthouse Keepers Home , last remains, as seen along hiking trail

Lighthouse Keepers Front Light as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed By U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

4. Lighthouse Keepers Front Light as mentioned

Lighthouse Keepers Rear beacon, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed By U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island

5. Lighthouse Keepers Rear beacon, as mentioned

Lighthouse Keepers Oil House, oldest surviving structure on Parris Island image. Click for full size.

6. Lighthouse Keepers Oil House, oldest surviving structure on Parris Island

In 2005, the oil house underwent a three-month restoration costing $50,000.

Today's Marshland in direction where Front light once stood, for Port Royal Sound image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, June 26, 2009

7. Today's Marshland in direction where Front light once stood, for Port Royal Sound

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 858 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on August 17, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.