Built in 1876 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982, the Morris Island Lighthouse is one of Charleston's best known and most beloved landmarks. During its peak years, the lighthouse stood among several buildings, which formed a major light station. Today, most of the island is gone due to significant erosion, leaving the lighthouse 1600 feet offshore. For more than a century, the Morris Island Lighthouse has weathered ocean currents, earthquakes, and hurricanes, but is now in eminent danger of being destroyed by neglect. The mission of Save The Light is to stabilize and preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse for the people of South Carolina & lighthouse lover's everywhere. Save The Light, Inc was started as a grassroots movement by concerned Charleston citizens. The Lighthouse had been in private hands since the Federal Government sold it at auction in 1965. While in private hands, the Lighthouse suffered further erosion, deterioration and neglect. In 1998, when the last owner put the lighthouse up for sale, several area residents and conservationists began organizing an effort to purchase and preserve the Lighthouse. After several years of public agencies debating ownership, Save The Light, Inc. bought the lighthouse in February of 1999. The simple mission of Save The Light, Inc is to save and preserve the Morris Island Lighthouse so that generations to come can admire and enjoy the historic "Old Charleston Light".