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Combahee Bank Lighthouse

🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Combahee Bank Lighthouse

Built in 1868, the Combahee Bank Lighthouse originally served as a cottage screwpile structure. This design featured a dwelling atop iron piles driven into the seabed to mark the shoal within St. Helena Sound. The light provided guidance for mariners navigating the South Carolina coast until its decommissioning and destruction in 1876. Although the historic screwpile lighthouse no longer stands, a modern aid to navigation now marks the bank. This contemporary light is mounted on a tripod dolphin, continuing to serve contemporary shipping.

Why it matters: The original lighthouse was essential for warning vessels away from the submerged Combahee Bank in St. Helena Sound.

Background
The Combahee Bank Lighthouse is a former lighthouse in St. Helena Sound on the border of Beaufort and Colleton Counties in South Carolina. It was built in 1868 and abandoned around 1876.

Tower & Structure

Material
iron

Structure: The original structure was a cottage screwpile lighthouse, likely built with iron piles and a wooden dwelling. A modern light is now mounted on a tripod dolphin.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
South Carolina
Sea Region
Combahee Bank, St. Helena Sound
Latitude
32.4667°
Longitude
-80.4333°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1868

Significant events: Decommissioned/Destroyed 1876

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Port Royal(14.0 km)
Admiralty No.
J2740
USCG No.
3-4040
ARLHS No.
USA-1162
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5150588 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Combahee Bank Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Combahee Bank Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is EDISTO at 5 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Port Royal (14 NM WSW), Wadmalaw Island (18.1 NM NE), SHELTER COVE HILTON (22.9 NM SW), Charleston (32.3 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Combahee Bank Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Combahee Bank Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Combahee Bank Lighthouse?+
Combahee Bank Lighthouse is located within the US East Coast shipping lane — a major shipping corridor serving ports along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Combahee Bank Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Combahee Bank Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.