Tybee Island Lighthouse

Year Built

1867 (current)

Cost

$50,000

Type

Octagonal

Height

144 feet

Location

Tybee Island

Automated Year

1972

First Lit

1867

Lens Type

First order Fresnel lens

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

Active

Color

Lower 50 feet black, upper part white; lantern, black

Last Keeper - Date

Joe W. Vawters (1970 – at least 1971)

Description

The site is open to the public and retains its keepers houses and auxiliary buildings as well as the lighthouse tower.

Brief History

•  1736, The first lighthouse, a wooden tower, on Tybee Island, was built.
•  In 1838 the lighthouse was described as being "a fixed light, 15 lamps, 15-inch reflectors.
•  1861, Confederate troops set fire to the light to prevent its use by Federal troops during the Civil War.
•  In 1866 a new brick and cast iron lighthouse was authorized.
•  2002, The Tybee Island Historical Society operates the lighthouse.