Located at the entrance of the Savannah River is one of the last remaining seven colonial era lighthouse towers. The Tybee Light Station has been guiding boats to the coast of Georgia for nearly 300 years!
History of the Tybee Island Light Station
It all began with a military order in 1732 by the governor of the 13th colony, General James Oglethorpe. The first structure was called a daymark, which is a lighthouse without a light. The octagonal building was erected in 1736 and was a mere 90 feet tall, yet it was considered the tallest structure in America at the time. Sadly, the brickwork and cedar building didn't last long as it was battered by storms, and then swept away 5 years later in 1741 as the work was in full swing on the second daymark. This second daymark was completed in 1742 and stood 4 feet taller (with the flagstaff) than the previous one and had its own survival challenges. This time it was the ocean tidal waves that beat and battered the foundation. Over time the water levels rose to the door of the daymark.
In 1768 the Georgia Assembly gave the go ahead for a new daymark, or lighthouse, to be constructed. This time the builders wisely chose a location far enough from the ocean to prevent further erosion of the foundation. This lighthouse was indeed far more impressive, with an astounding height of 100 feet. The wood and brick structure lit up the skylight from spermaceti candles for the first time 1791, thus becoming a true lighthouse after the federal government took over the possession from Georgia.
The Civil War in 1861 was brutal on the lighthouse, as the wooden stairs, along with the top 40 feet of the tower, were destroyed by fire as the Confederate troops retreated. After the war ended, the US Lighthouse Establishment commenced rebuilding the destroyed lighthouse using the remaining intact base and building up. The reconstructed lighthouse consisted of masonry and metal – no wood – making it fireproof! That tower has stood strong for the past 157 years!
The Tybee Island Museum
Built between 1898 and 1899, the Tybee Island Museum is found in Fort Screven's Battery Garland. The Battery Garland consisted of the 12-inch rifled long-range cannon mounted on top and storage rooms in the lower level. The Battery was decommissioned from the America's Coastal Defense System in 1945 and has served as the Tybee Island Museum since 1962.
Great Place to Visit
Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum is situated on approximately three acres and is a great place to take the entire family to visit. The Tower is open to visitors 6 days a week and offer discounts for seniors and children. In addition to the fantastic views, the surrounding buildings along with the Tybee Island amusement park exhibit will entertain and awe even the little ones.
Southern Belle Vacation Rentals
When you are planning your vacation to Tybee Island, complete the experience by staying in one of our cozy vacation rentals. Southern Belle Vacation Rentals offer cozy little homes for a couples retreat or larger homes for the whole family to stay in. Call us today for further information and to allow our friendly staff to assist you in choosing just the right vacation home.