Tybee Island Lighthouse

Almost as soon as Georgia was established as a colony in 1733, the need for a navigational beacon to mark the mouth of the Savannah River was realized. Located on the northern tip of Tybee Island, the first Tybee Island Lighthouse was built in 1736. The tower was an octagonal wooden structure and stood ninety-feet in height. The lighthouse, only used as a day mark, proved to be unable to stand up against the wind and was blown down in 1741. Less than one year later, construction of another wooden tower was completed in 1742. The new tower, built to a height of ninety-four feet, again served only as a day mark. This tower faired a little better than its predecessor, standing until it was blown down in 1768.

Almost immediately, work began on the construction of a new lighthouse. Completed in 1773, the new wooden lighthouse was fitted with a lamp in 1791. Soon after lighting the tower, a fire broke out in the

To visit the Tybee Island Lighthouse, take I-16 east from I-95. Then take the exit to Hwy 80 east. Once on Tybee Island follow the signs to the lighthouse on the north end of the island. Be sure to look for the Cockspur Island Lighthouse as you cross the bridge to Tybee Island.

lantern room, burning the tower to the ground. Once again, a new tower was constructed, this time of brick, and it was ready for service in 1781. In 1857, the tower was raised 100 feet in height to a height of 154 feet, and a second-order Fresnel lens was installed in the lantern room. The tower remained in service until the Civil War, when confederate troops damaged the tower, trying to render it useless to the invading Union army. The lighthouse remained out of service until it was restored and the lamps relit in 1867. At this time, a first-order Fresnel lens was installed in the tower making its light visible twenty miles out to sea. The lighthouse still remains in active service today.

Today, the lighthouse is open to the public to enjoy. Visitors can climb the 183 steps to the top for an awesome view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Savannah River. The lighthouse has been wonderfully restored to like new condition, along with the keeper’s quarters, the second assistant keeper's dwelling, and the summer kitchen. Restoration work still continues on the first assistant keeper’s dwelling. For more information, contact the Tybee Island Historical Society.