U.S. Coast Guard Lightships
& Those of the U.S. Lighthouse Service
VESSEL DESIGNATION: LV 30
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:
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:
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:
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1871: Aug, withdrawn and "condemned as unfit for service"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
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