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Georgetown Lighthouse

Fl (2) W 15s🇺🇸South Carolina, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Georgetown Lighthouse

Constructed in 1801, Georgetown Light stands 27 meters tall with a focal plane of 26 meters. Its original cypress tower was replaced in 1812 by a 22-meter brick structure. This tower was later rebuilt and extended to 27 meters in 1867 following damage sustained during the Civil War. A Fresnel lens was added in 1857. The lighthouse was automated in 1986 and is now managed by the State of South Carolina as part of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve.

Why it matters: Georgetown Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Background
Georgetown Light is an active light on North Island at the entrance to Winyah Bay southeast of Georgetown, South Carolina. The light is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the lighthouse is now under the control of State of South Carolina as part of the Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve. The lighthouse is on the National Register of Historic Places. The original lighthouse was a cypress tower. It was destroyed by a storm in 1806. In 1812, a 72 feet (22 m) brick tower was built. A fourth-order Fresnel lens was installed in 1857. It was rebuilt and raised to 87 feet (27 m) in 1867 after suffering damage during the Civil War. The light was automated in 1986. The focal plane is 85 feet (26 m) above mean high water.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) W 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
15s
Focal Height
26m

Construction & History

Year Built
1801
Heritage Status
National Register of Historic Places listed place

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q5547022 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m

Location

City
South Carolina
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
33.2227°
Longitude
-79.1851°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Georgetown Lighthouse at night?+
Georgetown displays the characteristic Fl (2) W 15s — 2 white flashes every 15 seconds. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area.
Which ports and harbors does Georgetown Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Georgetown Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Georgetown at 9.9 NM to the NW. Other ports served include RESERVE HARBOR (17.1 NM N), BUCKSPORT (26.2 NM N), Huger (32 NM WSW), Charleston (44.8 NM SW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Georgetown Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Georgetown Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
What shipping routes pass near Georgetown Lighthouse?+
Georgetown 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 Georgetown Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Georgetown 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.