Hilton Head Rear-Range Lighthouse

Front inscription

The Rear Lighthouse of the Hilton Head Range Light Station was built in 1879-1880 by the U.S. Light House Board. Its light, which stood 92-feet above sea level, was visible from 15 miles away and once served to guide shipping vessels in Port Royal Sound. This tower was once part of a complex that also included a keeper’s house and forward beacon, which was located more than 1 mile in front of this position.

Reverse inscription

Sailors entering Port Royal Sound would steer their ships until the lights from the rear tower and forward beacon aligned. The frequently shifting channel required the forward beacon to be relocated numerous times. In 1884 a movable keeper’s house with an integrated beacon was built to accommodate the frequent moves. Decommissioned in 1932, the lighthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.