the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse:
A Hidden Gem on the Golf Course
If you are looking to add a bit of history and intrigue to your Hilton Head list of things to do, the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse offers a memorable stop. This fascinating landmark is situated between two holes of the Arthur Hills Golf Course, and is one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Hidden within the private Leamington community, it’s a spot you won’t come across unless you’re playing a round of golf or have special access.
The Adventure of Getting to the Lighthouse
We first heard about the lighthouse by chance and were immediately interested in finding out more. It wasn’t something you could just stumble upon. It would take some additional research and planning to learn the best way to gain access. Even if you know where it is, you can’t simply drive up to it. To see the lighthouse involves entering through Palmetto Dunes, speaking with the guard at the Leamington gate, and riding along scenic paths. I have to say, as we were riding our bikes along the Leamington bike paths, it felt as if we were uncovering a secret piece of Hilton Head’s history. The adventure made getting to the lighthouse all the more rewarding.
Curious how you can find it? Keep reading, because discovering this hidden gem is as much about the journey as the destination.
Rear Range Lighthouse Information:
Location: 53 Leamington Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC
Lighthouse Hours: 7 AM until 6 PM
Admission: Free (see additional information)
Tips for the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse in Leamington:
- You may enter Palmetto Dunes Resort without a pass and there is not a cost like the Sea Pines Resort. There is only one entrance to Palmetto Dunes and that is located across from Shelter Cove Marina. Once in Palmetto Dunes you will need to make your way to the Leamington entrance where you can secure a pass to visit the Rear Range Lighthouse.
- While you can drive your car to Leamington, this is a great opportunity to ride your bike to somewhere new and secluded on the island. Riding your bike also gives you a chance to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace in Palmetto Dunes and Leamington.
- The guard at the gate will need a government issued ID to give you access to Leamington. We were provided tags to put on our bikes to show that we are guests to the area.
A True Adventure: Getting to the Lighthouse
Our visit to the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse started by entering Palmetto Dunes, across from the Shelter Cove Marina off the William Hilton Highway. We made our way through the property and stopped at the Leamington entrance gate, where we were greeted by a friendly guard. When we mentioned our interest in seeing the Rear Range Lighthouse, she checked our IDs, wrote down our information, and gave us a pass to put on our bikes. She gave us some helpful directions as she continued to work and allow cars into Leamington. The welcoming touch set a nice tone for the day and made us feel that our little side adventure was already off to a great start.
We decided to make our way there by bike, which added a lot to the experience. As we pedaled along, the route to the Lighthouse became a scenic treat, as they always do in Hilton Head. We passed beautiful homes, tall oak trees, and the Arthur Hills Golf Course Clubhouse entrance. As we took in the beauty of Leamington and the Golf Course, we couldn’t resist taking a few photos along the way. This unexpected stretch made the ride feel like a leisurely stroll through a hidden side of Hilton Head.
Rear Range Lighthouse: What to Expect
As we continued to ride along the bike paths in Leamington, we eventually came upon the historical marker on the side of the road. This sign was small but significant in knowing we had reached our destination. You might be surprised at first seeing the Lighthouse surrounded by tall trees and in the middle of a golf course. Typically, lighthouses are found on a rocky coastline or given ships sailing by. The placement adds to the charm in my opinion. Once you find the Lighthouse, it feels like a true hidden gem that few take the time to see.
Arriving at the base of the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse, we took a moment to absorb the history and quiet charm of the area. The Rear Range Lighthouse stands 92 feet tall and is a skeleton of a cast iron giant peering out above the tree line. As you look up at the observation deck, you can imagine its past role in guiding ships along the coast. Around the Lighthouse are several informational plaques detailing the structure’s history, as well as the remnants of the oil house and a cistern.
History of the Rear Range Lighthouse
Built in 1880, the lighthouse was part of a navigational system designed to guide ships safely along the coast. As its name suggests, this lighthouse served as the “rear range” of a pair of beacons. Mariners would align the lights of the shorter front beacon with the rear beacon to navigate into the Port Royal Sound.
At its peak, the Rear Range Lighthouse relied on a Hains oil-burning lamp with a Fresnel lens. In 1893, these lamps were replaced with Funck-heap oil lamps. Maintaining these lamps was challenging, and required constant attention from the lighthouse keepers to ensure the beacon operated in all weather conditions. Tragically, this work was not without risks; one historical account mentions a death associated with the demanding task of keeping the light fueled and operational. Read more about this amazing story.
The Decommision of the Lighthouse
The lighthouse was taken out of commission in 1932, but its significance has always been recognized. It is now carefully preserved as a historical landmark and stands tall between holes 5 and 15 at the Arthur Hills Golf Course. Near the lighthouse, you can see the oil house and a cistern, both of which have informational plaques to help visitors imagine what life was like during its operational years.
The Haunted side of the Rear Range Lighthouse – The “Blue Lady”
While the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse stands quietly today as a historic landmark, it’s not without its tales of mystery.
Can you imagine how isolated life would have been for the lighthouse keepers and their families? Considering that the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse was well inland rather than being located on the coast, it would stand to reason that there was little contact with other people.
The story goes that the lighthouse keeper, Adam Fripp, and his daughter Caroline, worked to keep the light going during the deadly “Sea Islands Hurricane” on August 27, 1893. Adam died as he was bringing oil to the lighthouse of a heart attack. Caroline found her father and continued his work, keeping the lighthouse fires burning while walking through waters that were around 3 feet deep. It is said that Caroline died a few days later from the exhaustion and fatigue of keeping the lighthouse going during the storm. If you get a chance to see the lighthouse on a dark, rainy night, be sure to look for Caroline. It is said that she has been seen in a blue dress at the Rear Range Lighthouse grounds.
The Leamington Live Oak Tree
You will be amazed when you see the Leamington Live Oak as you walk along the path from the road to the Rear Range Lighthouse. This is a wonderful landmark adding an air of majesty to the historic grounds.
The Live Oak towers are around 70 feet tall and have a 150-foot canopy. You will start to understand how amazing this find is when you stand at the base and try to wrap your arms around the tree. The massive trunk has a diameter of about 9 feet. It is also known as one of the oldest trees on the island, estimated to be between 435 and 450 years old.
The Oil House
The oil house, built in 1892, was essential to keeping the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse lamp burning and was located near the base of the structure. While it looks pretty small, it played a crucial role in the operation of the lighthouse.
The Oil House is capable of holding up to 450 five-gallon barrels of kerosene, allowing it to keep the light operational for extended periods of time. An important role of the lighthouse keeper was to manage the supply of oil, transferring it from the oil house to the lamp at the top of the lighthouse. Having the oil close to the lighthouse allowed for convenient access, while being far enough away to reduce the risk of a spreading fire.
Cistern
In a time when access to fresh water was limited, especially in coastal areas, the Cistern was used to capture rainwater and hold up to 3,500 gallons of water. This water near the lighthouse keeper’s house ensured they had a dependable water supply for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. The Cistern’s close proximity to the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters made daily chores more manageable, reducing the need to transport water from distant sources. When you visit the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse, you can view the Cistern along with the lighthouse and the oil house. Seeing these structures together will give you valuable insight into the daily lives of the people who once kept the light burning and nearby ships out of danger.
Public Restrooms
Visitors to the Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse will appreciate the convenience of a public restroom located right beside the oil house. Having a restroom makes for a more comfortable visit, especially when you are riding a bike and have been exploring for a while.
Leamington Rear Range Lighthouse FAQ
The Hilton Head Rear Range Lighthouse, also known as the Leamington Lighthouse, is a historic maritime structure built in 1880. Along with the “front” beacon on the coast that was taken out of commission in 1932, its purpose was to guide ships safely into Port Royal Sound. It is part of a light system where mariners aligned the rear light with a front range light to navigate difficult waters. The lighthouse was never moved and is located within the private Leamington Community of Hilton Head Island. While most people think of the Harbour Town Lighthouse when they think of Hilton Head, the Rear Range Lighthouse is the only historic lighthouse remaining on the island. Although it is no longer operational, the lighthouse is preserved as a significant piece of Hilton Head’s maritime history, offering visitors a glimpse into the island’s past.
Here are some additional links to give more information:
Palmetto Dunes – Lighthouse Lore in the Lowcountry
The Lighthouse in Palmetto Dunes
The Rear Range Lighthouse is located in the private community of Leamington inside the Palmetto Dunes resort. Typically, the Leamington private community is off-limits to anyone not living in the gated community. However, if you ask permission to see the Rear Range Lighthouse, you will be given temporary access to this magnificent piece of history. The lighthouse itself is located between the 5th and 15th holes of the Arthur Hills Golf Course. To access the lighthouse, enter Palmetto Dunes off the William Hilton Highway. Once on the grounds of Palmetto Dunes, make your way to the Leamington gated entrance. From here, you can let the guard know that you are interested in seeing the lighthouse, and they will take down your information (provided by a photo ID) and give you a temporary pass to the Leamington community. This is a fun adventure and is well worth the time to explore.
No, visiting the lighthouse in Leamington, known as the Rear Range Lighthouse, is free of charge. However, it is only accessible through the gated Leamington community at the Palmetto Dunes Resort. If you are interested in visiting, check in at the Palmetto Dunes resort’s South Gate to request and request a guest pass at the Leamington entrance.
Technically, the lighthouse grounds are generally open during daylight hours. However, it is a good idea to visit before 5 p.m., as passes at the guard gate entering Leamington may not be issued after this time. Note that motorcycles are not permitted within Palmetto Dunes.
There is no parking lot around or near the Rear Range Lighthouse; however, Palmetto Dunes Resort says that you can park in the grass area beside the road at the lighthouse’s entrance. You can read their response to a visitor post on TripAdvisor.
We decided to ride our bikes when we visited the lighthouse in Palmetto Dunes. This was the best decision in our case because we wanted to experience Leamington, and riding our bikes allowed us to go at a slower pace and take in all of the sights. You will pass the Arthur Hill Golf Course along the way.
Yes, restroom facilities are available for men and women at the base of the Lighthouse. Having easy access to public restrooms makes this a great stop when taking a long bike ride to see this amazing structure.
Local legends tell of the “Blue Lady,” believed to haunt the grounds of the Leamington Lighthouse, especially on stormy nights. During the devastating Sea Islands Hurricane on August 27, 1893, lighthouse keeper Adam Fripp and his daughter Caroline worked tirelessly to keep the light burning and ships out of trouble. Adam tragically died of a heart attack while bringing oil to the lighthouse. Although Caroline was devastated by the death of her father, she continued his work, wading through three feet of water to keep the flame going. Sadly, she surrendered to pure exhaustion and died just a few days later.
It is said that people still see Caroline’s spirit today. When they do, she is dressed in a blue dress near the lighthouse grounds on dark, rainy nights.
A story was written about the Blue Lady’ ghost famously haunts this island destination on stormy nights at the New York Post
Currently, there are no guided tours of the lighthouse, and it’s unlikely that there will be in the future due to its location. However, you can still enjoy a self-guided experience. Informational plaques near the lighthouse detail the three main structures: the lighthouse itself, the oil house, and the cistern. Additionally, pamphlets are available at the lighthouse’s base to provide further information, making it easy to learn about this fascinating landmark at your own pace.