Tybee Island in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2011
1. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
Designed and built in 1848 by renowned architect John S. Norris to mark the entrance to the South Channel of the Savannah River, the Cockspur Island Lighthouse was destroyed by a hurricane in 1854. A larger replacement was built on the same foundation in 1855. During the American Civil War, the light was temporarily extinguished. The lighthouse survived the 30 hour Union bombardment of Confederate-held Fort Pulaski in 1862 and hurricanes in 1881 and 1893. By the late 1800s, shipping had moved to the North Channel of the Savannah River. The lighthouse was no longer needed and was deactivated in 1909. In 1958, the U.S. Coast Guard transferred control of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse to the National Park Service.
Erected 2011 by The Georgia Historical Society and Friends of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. (Marker Number 25-41.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1848.
Location. 32° 1.653′ N, 80° 53.557′ W. Marker is on Tybee Island, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is on Fort Pulaski Raod. The marker can be reached
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles, in Greater Savannah, and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of Emancipation: (here, next to this marker); A Bustling Village (here, next to this marker); The Waving Girl (a few steps from this marker); Cisterns of the Construction Village (a few steps from this marker); John Wesley (a few steps from this marker); Soldier of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); Sheltering Crown (within shouting distance of this marker); Freedom Ahead! (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tybee Island.
Regarding Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The 46-foot-tall beacon marks the South Channel of the Savannah River. The light is surrounded by water at high tide, and can only be reached by boat. To get a closer look, the Light Overlook Trail is available near Fort Pulaski.
Also see . . .
1. National Park Service - Cockspur Island Lighthouse. This first tower had a focal plane 25' above sea level. The beacon housed a fixed white light emanating from five lamps with 14" reflectors visible for nine miles... The lighthouse was in the line of fire between Union forces on Tybee island and Confederate forces in Fort Pulaski. During a 30-hour battel
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2011
2. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker Dedication Day
Hosted by The Georgia Historical Society and Friends of Cockspur Lighthouse. The Georgia Historical Society will dedicate their newest bronze marker commemorating the service of the Cockspur Lighthouse, the first Tybee Island tower built in 1736 to mark the entrance to the Savannah River.
2. Cockspur Island, GA. additional pictures. (Submitted on September 16, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2011
3. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker, near the Fort Pulaski parking lot
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2011
4. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker dedication
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2011
5. Representing Lighthouse Keepers, this trio admire the new marker
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 7, 2009
6. Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 7, 2009
7. Cockspur Island Lighthouse
* See related marker
Click for more information.
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Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 5, 2013
8. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,143 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 15, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on September 16, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 15, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on August 17, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
