30 Meddin Dr.
Tybee Island, GA 31328

The Tybee Lighthouse is the oldest in Georgia and the third oldest in the United States.  It is also Georgia's tallest lighthouse at 154 feet.

The original lighthouse was completed in 1736 and was 90 feet tall.  Unfortunately it was built too close to the waters edge. A storm in 1741 washed it away. A new tower was completed in 1742. Again it was constructed near the ocean's edge and was washed away again. A third tower was constructed, however, this time a site was chosen further away from the ocean. This third lighthouse was completed in 1773 and was 100 feet tall. In the beginning candle light was used, but through the years improvements in lighting were put in.

During the Civil War, the Confederates at Fort Pulaski were concerned with the brilliant light the lighthouse produced. In 1861 volunteers were sent to burn the wooden stairs and landings so the Union troops would not be able to use the lighthouse. This plan did not work as the Union troops repaired the damage and used it as a watchtower.

In 1866 a new brick and cast iron lighthouse was authorized. The lower 60 feet of the 1773 structure was used for the base of the new tower and another 94 feet was added. And on top was installed a new nine foot lens bringing the lighthouse to 154 feet. On October 1, 1867 the new light shown for the first time and could be seen over 18 miles at sea.

Today the Tybee Island Light Station is one of America's most intact light stations. It has all of its historic support building on a five acre site. This is a truly beautiful lighthouse to see. On a trip to the Savannah area it is well worth the short trip to Tybee Island.

KAT'S VIEW

I went to an area which had a fort and a lighthouse. The fort was too dangerous so we went to their museum. They had a nice collection of items. A gun they had took two people to carry.