Picture this a grand old lighthouse standing proudly on Daufuskie Island. This is Haig Point Lighthouse its history spanning nearly 150 years. It’s more than just a beacon it’s a living testament to resilience and transformation.
Built in 1873 the lighthouse wasn’t erected on bare land. Its foundation rests on the very tabby walls of an old plantation mansion the Haig Point Mansion. Imagine the stories whispered by those ancient stones. The original mansion was unfortunately destroyed during the Civil War. The lighthouse’s construction began with James H Reed. He oversaw the acquisition of materials the transportation to Daufuskie Island and the construction itself. A testament to his commitment to the project.
Patrick Comer was the first lighthouse keeper. He and his wife Bridgett kept the lights burning for eighteen years. Their lives intertwined with the rhythm of the sea. They witnessed the devastating Charleston earthquake of 1886. Comer described the quake’s force as “like the roaring of a prairie fire”. The lighthouse clock stopped for the first time in thirteen years. The quake’s impact. Its lasting mark on the island.
After Comer’s passing Richard Stonebridge took up the mantle. His thirty-two year tenure. A remarkable dedication to service. During his time a fireproof oil house was built in 1892 to safely store the kerosene. A new 6000-gallon cistern replaced the older one in 1895. The increased water capacity even led to the addition of a bathtub in 1914 a luxury for the time.
Tragedy struck. The lighthouse was later sold. Eventually an intoxicated hunter fell from the tower. Ending the lighthouse’s use as a hunting lodge. Years passed. The lighthouse fell into disrepair. Shutters sagged doors hung loosely windows shattered.
Then came George H Bostwick. He bought Haig Point Plantation and the Lighthouse in 1965. He initiated a restoration bringing the lighthouse back to life. A 1967 newspaper article described the transformation. Fresh white paint. A new roof. Refinished floors. Modern wiring. Screened windows. The lighthouse’s rebirth.
Archaeologists later discovered the full extent of the plantation mansion’s foundation. A testament to its size and grandeur. They left the foundation exposed. A visible reminder of Haig Point’s past.
The lighthouse was meticulously restored. On October 18 1986 it was re-lit. A festive ceremony with fireworks and the Savannah Symphony playing “Stars and Stripes Forever”. The lighthouse was restored to its former glory and more.
Today Haig Point Lighthouse is a guesthouse. A beautiful blend of history and modern comfort. Guests can enjoy two bedrooms a kitchen dining room and a porch overlooking Calibogue Sound. A perfect spot to enjoy a cool glass of lemonade while reflecting on the island’s rich history. The lighthouse at Haig Point. A symbol of resilience standing tall through time.