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Harbour Town Lighthouse History

The Harbour Town Lighthouse is an iconic landmark located on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, USA. The lighthouse stands at a height of 90 feet and was built in 1969. Here's a brief history of the Harbour Town Lighthouse:

In the early 1960s, Charles Fraser, a real estate developer, acquired a large tract of land on Hilton Head Island, which he intended to develop into a resort. He envisioned a lighthouse as a centerpiece of his development, which would provide a navigational aid for boats entering the harbour, as well as a tourist attraction.

Fraser commissioned a New York architect, Charles E. Fraser Jr., to design the lighthouse. The architect based his design on the iconic candy-striped Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in North Carolina. The lighthouse was built by the McDonnell Construction Company of Atlanta, Georgia, and was completed in 1969 at a cost of $1.5 million.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse is made of steel and has a red and white striped exterior. The lighthouse's light is visible for up to 25 miles and is still used as a navigational aid for boats entering the harbour. In addition to its practical use, the lighthouse has also become a popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse was privately owned until 1988, when it was sold to the Sea Pines Resort. The resort has since renovated and restored the lighthouse, and it now includes a museum, gift shop, and observation deck at the top, providing stunning views of the surrounding area. Today, the Harbour Town Lighthouse is a beloved symbol of Hilton Head Island and continues to be an important part of the island's history and culture.

Harbour Town Lighthouse Top Tourist Attractions

The Harbour Town Lighthouse is one of the top tourist attractions on Hilton Head Island, and for good reason. Here are some of the top reasons why visitors flock to the lighthouse:

• Scenic Views: The Harbour Town Lighthouse offers some of the most stunning views of the island and the surrounding waterways. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and take in panoramic views of the harbour, the Atlantic Ocean, and the island's lush landscape.
• Museum: The Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum offers visitors a chance to learn about the island's rich history and culture. The museum features exhibits on the island's Native American history, the Civil War, and the island's development as a resort destination.
• Shopping: The lighthouse also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, local art, and other items.
• Photo Opportunities: The Harbour Town Lighthouse's unique design and striking candy-striped exterior make it a popular spot for taking photos. Visitors can capture memorable photos of themselves and their loved ones in front of the lighthouse or atop the observation deck.
• Lighthouse Climb: Visitors can also climb the 114 steps to the top of the lighthouse, where they can take in the breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding waterways.

Overall, the Harbour Town Lighthouse is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Hilton Head Island, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Harbour Town Lighthouse Climate

The island has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

In the summer months (June-August), temperatures on the island can reach into the 90s Fahrenheit (32-35°C), with high humidity. Thunderstorms are common during the summer, particularly in the afternoons.

In the winter months (December-February), temperatures on the island are milder, with average highs in the 60s Fahrenheit (15-20°C). However, cold fronts can bring temperatures down to near-freezing at times.

Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) are considered the best times to visit Hilton Head Island, as temperatures are milder and there is less humidity. These seasons are also less crowded than the summer months, making them a great time to explore the island's attractions, including the Harbour Town Lighthouse.

Overall, visitors to the Harbour Town Lighthouse should be prepared for hot and humid weather in the summer and mild to cool temperatures in the winter. It is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting and to dress appropriately for the season.

Harbour Town Lighthouse Geography

The Harbour Town Lighthouse is located on the southern end of Hilton Head Island in Beaufort County, South Carolina, USA. The island is situated on the Atlantic Coast and is a barrier island, which means that it is separated from the mainland by a strip of water called a sound.

Hilton Head Island is approximately 12 miles long and 5 miles wide, with a total area of around 42 square miles. The island is known for its sandy beaches, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse is situated in the Sea Pines Resort, which is a private gated community that covers a large portion of the southern end of the island. The lighthouse is located in Harbour Town, which is a popular shopping and dining area that overlooks the Calibogue Sound.

The Calibogue Sound is a body of water that separates Hilton Head Island from Daufuskie Island and is connected to the Atlantic Ocean. The sound is known for its strong currents and is a popular spot for boating and fishing. Overall, the Harbour Town Lighthouse is situated in a beautiful and unique part of Hilton Head Island, surrounded by scenic waterways and natural beauty. Visitors to the lighthouse can enjoy stunning views of the island and the surrounding area from its observation deck.