The name "Folly" is thought to have come from the Old English translation, which means a clump of trees or a thicket. Although Folly Island today is a continuous island stretching from the Stono Inlet to Lighthouse Inlet, some maps show that Folly had two islands, commonly known as Big Folly and Little Folly. Historical records from the time of the Civil War state that travel from Big Folly, across the neck of the island, today called "The Washout." to Little Folly was only possible along the beach at low tide.
Morris Lighthouse: In 1873, funds were appropriated for a new tower on Morris Island. To provide a proper foundation for what would be a first order seacoast light, over two hundred wooden piles were driven fifty feet into the sand. Above the pilings, an eight-foot-thick concrete foundation was poured. The base of the foundation had a diameter of thirty-three feet and tapered to sixteen feet eight inches at its top. This sizable foundation was necessary to support the brick tower, which would rise over 150 feet into the air and weigh close to 4,000 tons. But time has taken its toll, and now the foundation is weakened and the tower leans. The lighthouse now stands alone and surrounded only by water several hundred yards offshore. Currently there is an official Morris Island "Save the Lighthouse" website.
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City of Folly Beach Regulations. The Confederate Flag on one of the beach homes. Lots of beach umbrellas! Crosby's Kayak Rental