Off the coast of Georgia, about 18 miles from the mysterious city of Savannah is the small barrier island of Tybee. From pirates to wars, for over 400 years it has been a pivotal piece of American history.
Named after the Native American Euchee Indian name for salt (dabi), Tybee Island lies off the coast of Georgia and has some beautiful wide sandy beaches, many of which are becoming more accessible to handicapped visitors. The City of Tybee have purchased some Mobi Mats and placed them at the end of several sand dune crossovers. These hardened surfaces make the sandy beaches more accessible to handicapped visitors. Also, available are wide-wheeled wheelchairs that can move across the sand much easier.
Historical Timeline
1520 – Spanish explorers claimed Tybee Island as part of Spain's La Florida, which expanded from the Bahamas to Nova Scotia.
1605 – France came seeking the coveted Sassafras Root, thought to be a miracle cure for a number of ailments. The Spanish fought back and reclaimed the island from the French.
1733 – General James Oglethorpe and a small group of settlers named the area Savannah for the tall grass and marshlands.
1736 – General Oglethorpe ordered the constructions of a lighthouse to be a guide for incoming ships. In addition, he also ordered the construction of a small fort to provide protection for the southern coasts.
1779 – French Admiral D'Estaing unsuccessfully launched his Siege of Savannah during the Revolutionary War from the island.
1812 – During the War of 1812, the Tybee Island Lighthouse was designated as a warning signal. It was to be used to warn of incoming British ships. At the western end of the island a quarantine area known as lazaretto was established for the soldiers carrying fatally contagious diseases.
Civil War Era – In the beginning, the Confederate Army occupied the island. In December 1861, the Rebel Forces withdrew to Fort Pulaski in response to orders from General Robert E. Lee to defend the city of Savannah and the Savannah River. Union Forces Quincy Adams Gilmore took control of Tybee Island and began construction on the cannon batteries.
Post-Civil War Era – Tybee became a resort for the residents of Savannah. The cool island breezes were a welcomed relief from the summer heat. By the 1890s the island had over 400 cottages and other buildings.
1855 – Fort Screven was built by military orders on the north end of Tybee, providing a more modern approach to coastal defense. In fact, from 1897 to 1947 it was an essential player in America's Coastal Defense System.
1947 – Fort Screven was closed and sold to the city of Tybee and tourism began to return to the island.
Tybee Island Today
The island today is still a very popular destination for vacations and weekend getaways. There is an abundance of activities to enjoy, from boat tours to sightseeing, as well as fishing to learning about marine science. Southern Belle Vacation Rentals offers some beautiful and cozy homes available on the island. Call us today to learn more about the island and our current vacation home availabilities.