Tybee Lighthouse

Georgia's Tallest Beacon: Standing at 145 feet, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is the tallest in Georgia and among the tallest in the U.S. 

Colonial Origins: Originally built in 1736, it's one of only seven surviving colonial-era lighthouses in the U.S. 

Multiple Reconstructions: The lighthouse has been rebuilt several times due to storms and erosion, with the current structure incorporating parts from 1773. 

Civil War Destruction: Confederate troops burned the lighthouse in 1862 to prevent its use by Union forces. 

Cholera Delays: Reconstruction in 1866 was delayed due to a cholera outbreak. 

Fresnel Lens Marvel: The lighthouse houses a first-order Fresnel lens, nearly 8 feet tall, magnifying its light to be visible 18 miles out to sea. 

Haunted Tales: Legends speak of ghostly apparitions, including a young girl warning visitors, adding a spooky allure to the site.

178-Step Climb: Visitors can climb 178 steps to the top, rewarded with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding areas. 

Colorful History: The lighthouse's black-and-white daymark has changed over time, with the current scheme restored to its 1916 appearance. 

Earthquake Survivor: The 1886 Charleston earthquake damaged the lighthouse's lens and brickwork, but it was promptly repaired. 

Electric Transition: In 1933, the lighthouse transitioned from kerosene to electric lighting, modernizing its operations. 

Automation Era: The beacon was automated in 1972, reducing the need for a full-time keeper. 

Historical Society Stewardship: Since 2002, the Tybee Island Historical Society has managed the lighthouse, preserving its legacy.

Museum Complex: The site includes the Head Keeper’s Cottage, Assistant Keeper’s Cottage, and a museum housed in a former military battery. 

Red Roof Significance: The red roofs of the keeper's cottages indicate their historical authenticity, a detail preserved during restorations. 

Pirate Connections: Tybee Island's strategic location made it a haven for pirates in the 18th century, adding to its storied past.

Name Meaning: "Tybee" is derived from the Euchee word for "salt," reflecting the island's natural resources. 

Fort Screven Neighbor: Adjacent to the lighthouse, Fort Screven served as a coastal defense fort from the Spanish-American War through World War II. 

Quarantine Station History: Nearby Lazaretto Creek was once a quarantine station for arriving ships, highlighting the area's maritime significance. 

Educational Programs: The lighthouse offers educational programs and field trips, making it a valuable learning site for students.

Preservation Efforts: Major restoration projects have ensured the lighthouse remains a beacon of history and culture.

Unique Architecture: The lighthouse's octagonal shape and brick construction are distinctive features among U.S. lighthouses.

Sunset and Full Moon Tours: Special evening tours offer breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the lighthouse under the stars.