Harbour Town Lighthouse

Captain William Hilton explored this area in August 1663, leading to the name which also references the visible headlands as ships approached the island. The island was the site of significant military action during the Revolutionary War due to frequent British raids, and the same was true during the Civil War as the United States Navy utilized its advantages to control much of the Southern coast. The area was underdeveloped until the second half of the 20th century when this lighthouse was built by boosters and developers in hopes of supporting the area's tourist industry.

Charles Fraser was one of the leading developers of the Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, and this lighthouse was part of his vision for promoting tourism. Fraser spoke often of his love for the Sea Pines area, and he worked to blend the construction resorts and condominiums with protecting the unique natural environment. Fraser's plan involved constructing buildings no taller than the tallest tree, painting all structures in natural earth-tones, and preserving trees and other natural features.

The Harbour Town Lighthouse was constructed in 1970 as part of Charles Fraser's plan to attract tourists to Sea Pines. Fraser intended for the lighthouse to act as both a landmark and a tourist attraction and reported that he chose to make it red and white to make the lighthouse “fun and memorable” in his words. The interior serves as a self-guided museum with placards on every level that include information about the history of Hilton Head, including the locations of six other lighthouses.

Harbour Town Lighthouse. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=330

History of Hilton Head Island began with the Spaniards in 1526, as they. (2019, December 19). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from https://www.hiltonheadisland.com/hilton-head-island-history/

Insider, H. (2018, April 02). The Real Story About the Harbour Town Lighthouse. Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/island-time/eco-wellness/real-story-about-harbour-town-lighthouse

Visiting the Harbour Town Lighthouse - Hilton Head, SC. (2020, October 27). Retrieved October 27, 2020, from https://www.hiltonhead.com/visiting-the-harbour-town-lighthouse/