Tybee Island in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Cockspur Island Lighthouse
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 7, 2009
1. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
The Cockspur Island Lighthouse, located in front of you was built in 1856. Six years later it was a silent witness to the Battle of Fort Pulaski. On April 10-11, 1862, the lighthouse was located midway between Union forces here on Tybee Island and Confederate forces inside Fort Pulaski. During the long-range bombardment, more than 5,000 shells passed over the light. The Cockspur Light survived the battle, and remains today as only one of five lighthouses in Georgia.
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.
Imagine standing here during the battle. The view has changed since then. In 1862, there were no trees hiding the fort. Look to the left of the lighthouse. Can you pick out the fort's flagpole? The sighting tube at left should help. The distance is about 1,600 yards. At the time of the battle, the Union Navy was blockading the entrance to the Savannah River in the distance to your right.
Erected 2009 by National Park Service, Fort Pulaski National Monument.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks
this page online
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 32° 1.001′ N, 80° 52.251′ W. Marker was on Tybee Island, Georgia, in Chatham County. It could be reached from Islands Expressway (U.S. 80) near Catalina Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Tybee Island GA 31328, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles, in Greater Savannah, and on the Sea Islands. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Federal Batteries on Tybee Island (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lazaretto (approx. half a mile away); The Brown Family Home (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Breached Wall (approx. 1.3 miles away); 5,275 Shots & Shells in 30 Hours (approx. 1.3 miles away); Original Gilyard Cottage Site (approx. 1.3 miles away); Shifting Shoreline
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 5, 2013
2. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Long Range Artillery Duel (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); A Turning Point In History (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The center photo is captioned, The Cockspur Island Lighthouse has survived crashing waves, the roar of cannons and the wrath of tme. On the right is a photo of Union officers posing on top of Fort Pulaski with Tybee Island and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse in the distance. The background of the marker depicts The Union Navy Blockading Squadron off the Savannah River with Fort Pulaski in the distance.
Regarding Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The sighting tube mentioned on the marker is not currently in place.
Also see . . .
1. Cockspur Lighthouse. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on June 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. Cockspur Island, GA. additional pictures (Submitted on June 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 5, 2013
3. Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
Photographed by Cockspur Island Lighthouse Marker
4. The Cockspur Island Lighthouse and Union officers posing
Photographed by Mike Stroud, April 7, 2009
5. Cockspur Island Lighthouse seen from Tybee Island
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 fort with the Cockspur Lighthouse in direct line of fire.
Photographed by Mike Stroud
6. Battered Fort Pulaski walls
Historic American Buildings Survey, Judith E. Collins, 1994
7. Cockspur Island Lighthouse north elevation
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS GA,26-SAV.V,4-1
Historic American Buildings Survey, Judith E. Collins, 1994
8. Cockspur Island Lighthouse south elevation
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS GA,26-SAV.V,4-2
Historic American Buildings Survey, Judith E. Collins, 1994
9. Cockspur Island Lighthouse west elevation
Historic American Engineering Record ,HABS GA,26-SAV.V,4-4
Credits. This page was last revised on January 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,002 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on January 21, 2026, by Edward Troxel of Creal Springs, Illinois. Photos: 1. submitted on June 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on December 12, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 20, 2010, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
