YEAR BUILT: 1863

BUILT AT: Philadelphia (PA)

BUILDER: Hillman & Streaker

APPROPRIATION: None needed
("to be paid from L H Establishment approp. for current expenses")

CONTRACT PRICE: ?

SISTER VESSELS: None

DESIGN: Wood - white oak; copper & iron fastened; 2 masts

LENGTH: 92' (lbp), BEAM: 23', DRAFT: l0'6", TONNAGE: 232 gross

PROPULSION: Sail

ILLUMINATING APPARATUS: 2 lanterns, each with 8 oil lamps

FOG SIGNAL: Hand operated bell and horn

CONSTRUCTION NOTES - MODIFICATIONS - EQUIPMENT CHANGES & IMPROVEMENTS: LV 30-

1864: Replaced both anchors and chains lost in storm-
1866: "Supplied with heavier moorings"-
1867: Jun 20-Aug 9, hauled and repaired at Charleston (SC)-
1868: Mar-Jul, "thoroughly repaired"

STATION ASSIGNMENTS: LV 30

1863-1871: Rattlesnake Shoal (SC)

(1865-1868 Position relocated temporarily off Charleston Bar for evaluation as a new and better position. New position was recommended for permanent use, but was not adopted at the time)
(Prior to 1867 when No. 30 was assigned, official records identify this vessel as "Rattlesnake"

HISTORICAL NOTES: LV 30-

1863: Placed on Rattlesnake Shoal (SC)-
1864: Driven from station by "severe storm"; lost both anchors and chain-
1865: Relocated off Charleston Bar temporarily for evaluation of possible new
position, and "thus answer the double purpose of warning vessels from Rattlesnake Shoal and at the same time form a channel range over Main Ship Bar. She
will also serve as a guide for vessels approaching from southward to clear
Stono breakers". Recommended new position "be made permanent", but no action-
1868?: Moved back to original Rattlesnake Shoal station-
1871: Aug, withdrawn and "condemned as unfit for service"

More notes:
RETIRED FROM LIGHTSHIP DUTY: 1871 AGE: 8

SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION: 1872 Jul, sold at public auction, Charleston (SC)- $916

Back to Charleston Lightship Station History.

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Revised: 10/23/06.