Near Tybee Island in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Sheltering Crown

Fort Pulaski National Monument

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 30, 2019

1. Sheltering Crown Marker

Inscription. This is the historic cupola that topped the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The cupola protected the powerful Fresnel lens at the top of the lighthouse tower. In 1995, preservation staff discovered several structural cracks in the cupola and removed it from the lighthouse. A reproduction cupola now crowns the historic lighthouse.

Since 1958, the Cockspur Lighthouse has been cared for by the National Park Service as part of Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list.

Location. 32° 1.633′ N, 80° 53.552′ W. Marker is near Tybee Island, Georgia, in Chatham County. Marker is on Fort Pulaski Road, 0.9 miles north of U.S. 80, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at Fort Pulaski National Monument, along the walkway between the Visitor Center and the fort. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tybee Island GA 31328, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Freedom Ahead! (a few steps from this marker); Guarding the Door

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(a few steps from this marker); History of Emancipation: (a few steps from this marker); Cisterns of the Construction Village (within shouting distance of this marker); The Waving Girl (within shouting distance of this marker); Soldier of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); A Bustling Village (within shouting distance of this marker); Cockspur Island Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tybee Island.

Also see . . .
1. Cockspur Island Lighthouse. Situated on an islet off the southeastern tip of Cockspur Island marking the South Channel of the Savannah River, the Cockspur Lighthouse is stands twelve miles east of the port of Savannah. The first brick tower, used as a daymark, was built on Cockspur Island between March 1837 and November 1839. Tragedy struck in 1854 when the structure was destroyed by a hurricane. The tower was rebuilt and enlarged on the same foundation the next year. On April 10, 1862, Union forces in eleven batteries stretching along the beach at Tybee Island, started a long range bombardment of Fort Pulaski. Thirty-six guns participated in a thirty-hour siege of the

Sheltering Crown Marker (<i>wide view • cupola on right • Visitor Center is to the left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 30, 2019

2. Sheltering Crown Marker (wide view • cupola on right • Visitor Center is to the left)

fort with the Cockspur Lighthouse in direct line of fire. Following the surrender of Fort Pulaski on April 11, 1862, the little beacon miraculously only suffered minor damage. (Submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The top of the lighthouse that covers and protects the light and lens, known as a cupola, was removed in 1995 after cracks were discovered. A reproduction now sits atop the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The original is on display near the Fort Pulaski National Monument Visitor Center. (Submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Cockspur Island Lighthouse Cupola (<i>wide view • cupola on right • Visitor Center background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, April 30, 2019

3. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Cupola (wide view • cupola on right • Visitor Center background)

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 279 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.