While I can’t say that lighthouses are prominent fixtures on the West Coast, they are numerous enough to make a nice addition to the identity of the East Coast. Learning that one of Georgia’s contributions to this collection is on Tybee Island (just outside of Savannah), only meant that it just had to be explored and experienced!
The Tybee Island Lighthouse is located a mere 30 minute drive from Savannah, and is the oldest and tallest lighthouse in Georgia. While the spiral staircase does require 178 steps of effort to the top, it offers at least 3 rewards for those willing to scale them.
First, you get an up close introduction to the still active Fresnel lens that is maintained by the Coast Guard and intensifies a beam of light equivalent to 70,000 candlepower that is visible a full 18 miles out to sea.
Second, you also get an up close introduction to the air vents in the lantern room that the lighthouse keeper manipulates to facilitate the efficient exit of both the fumes from the oil burning lamp (that provides the beam that the Fresnel lens magnifies) and the condensation it creates.
Third, you have access to a near 360 degree balcony offering amazing coastline viewpoints!
If you choose to visit you’ll actually be enjoying the 4th iteration of this lighthouse. The original was completed in 1736, but was destroyed by a severe Atlantic Ocean storm. The rebuilt version later suffered the same fate and version 3 was nearly destroyed by soldiers during the Civil War. While the current lighthouse remains stable, a recent inspection determined that it requires immediate preservation and those efforts are now underway.
While this adventure is not recommended for those with mobility challenges or small children, you don’t need to be a history aficionado to appreciate this special place.
And that’s…Henry’s Take.
Tybee Island Lighthouse
30 Meddin Drive
Tybee Island, Georgia
(912) 786-5801
