News Summary
The historic Hunting Island Lighthouse in Beaufort, South Carolina is undergoing significant restoration, reaching a major milestone as it nears completion of exterior work ahead of National Lighthouse Day. With a budget of around $3 million, the project includes interior renovations and aims to enhance educational opportunities for visitors. While the lighthouse has been closed for tours since 2022, the planned reopening is slated for late 2025 or early 2026, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
Beaufort, South Carolina — The restoration of the historic Hunting Island Lighthouse is progressing significantly as it approaches a major milestone ahead of National Lighthouse Day, which will be celebrated on August 7. The extensive restoration project has reached the completion of exterior work and is currently focused on interior renovations.
The lighthouse had been closed to tours since early 2022 due to safety concerns. With a budget of approximately $3 million, Bennett Preservation Engineering is overseeing the architectural and engineering aspects of the restoration, while Huss, Inc. has been contracted for the project’s construction work.
Completion of major exterior restoration activities includes sandblasting the old paint and applying fresh protective coatings, with the scaffolding that surrounded the lighthouse being dismantled in May. This marked a significant step forward in the overall restoration efforts. The interior renovations are still ongoing, with the completion of interior coatings expected by September 2025. As of July 11, work on stabilizing and strengthening the stair system has begun, and historic brackets and stair treads have been fabricated and are being installed.
Additionally, new glass panes have been installed at the watch and lantern levels of the lighthouse, and the restoration of the railings has also been completed. The planned reopening of the lighthouse is slated for late 2025 or early 2026, depending on any potential weather-related delays.
In an effort to expand educational opportunities, a virtual lighthouse trailer project is currently under development, aimed at accommodating visitors unable to climb the lighthouse. This initiative will complement the physical restoration by providing alternative means of engaging with the history of the site.
The restoration endeavor has included the historic 1875 Fresnel lens, which has been disassembled for restoration with modern materials to ensure its sustainability. The Friends of Hunting Island are actively coordinating a display area for the restored lens, which will be accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Hunting Island State Park, where the lighthouse is located, is South Carolina’s most frequently visited state park, attracting over 1 million visitors annually, despite the ongoing closure of the lighthouse. While revenue from climbing fees has seen a decline, overall park admissions have remained steady, indicating continued interest in the natural and historical offerings of the park.
The Hunting Island Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1875 after the original structure was destroyed during the Civil War, was relocated 1.3 miles inland in 1889 due to beach erosion. Previous repair efforts were made in 2003, dealing mainly with cracks in the cast-iron steps and reinforcing the structure with steel braces. The current restoration addresses multiple issues that stem from the significant foot traffic the lighthouse has received throughout the years.
The lighthouse has a unique interchangeable cast-iron construction, allowing for future disassembly and relocation if necessary, a feature that underscores its historical importance and adaptability over the years. The continued restoration work not only aims to preserve this iconic structure for future generations but also enhances visitor experiences and educational opportunities at one of South Carolina’s treasured landmarks.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Progress Made in Lighthouse Restoration
- Wikipedia: Hunting Island Lighthouse
- Explore Beaufort SC: Restoration of Hunting Island Lighthouse Closer to Completion
- Google Search: Hunting Island Lighthouse
- WTOC: Hunting Island Officials Give Update on Lighthouse Restoration
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lighthouse
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Lighthouses – Hunting Island
- Google News: Hunting Island Lighthouse Restoration
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
