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Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse

Fl (2) White 15s🇺🇸USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse

Constructed in 1867, the Georgetown County Lighthouse stands 27 meters tall on North Island. This round brick tower, painted white, features a gallery and lantern, with a stone stairway inside. The light emits a white flash every 15 seconds, visible for 14.5 nautical miles. The structure was altered after sustaining damage during the Civil War, with its height later increased. It is situated about 1.6 kilometers north of Winyah Bay's entrance, 20.5 kilometers southeast of Georgetown.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant as an example of early federal lighthouse architecture, notable for its brick construction and internal stone stairway. Its original Fresnel lens is now a key exhibit at the South Carolina Maritime Museum.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (2) White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1867

Significant events: altered somewhat after being damaged during the Civil War, height was raised from 72 to 87 ft, leased to the State of South Carolina in 1988 as part of a juvenile detention and rehabilitation center, plans for this center were abandoned in 1990, transferred to the state's Department of Natural Resources in 2001

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Georgetown, USA(20.5 km)
ARLHS No.
USA-323

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
27m
Tower Shape
round
Tower Color
white
Material
brick

Structure: A 27m round brick tower with lantern and gallery, painted white. It features a stone stairway inside.

Location

Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
South Carolina
Sea Region
North Island facing Winyah Bay, about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of the entrance to the bay and 25 km (15 mi) southeast of Georgetown
Latitude
33.0189°
Longitude
-79.3738°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse at night?+
Georgetown County Lighthouse displays the characteristic Fl (2) White 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. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Georgetown at 20.8 NM to the N. Other ports served include Huger (21.8 NM W), Charleston (30.4 NM WSW), Charleston (30.8 NM WSW), North Charleston (30.8 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Georgetown County Lighthouse 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 Georgetown County Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
Georgetown County Lighthouse 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 County Lighthouse Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Georgetown County Lighthouse 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.