Tybee is a word from the Euchee Indian language that means "salt". Washed for
centuries by the warm waters of the Atlantic, Savannah's beach at Tybee Island
stretches several miles. For the most part, the residences which surround the
island are hidden by the generous sand dunes, thus preserving the natural and
unsoiled appearance of the beach. All the motels, condominiums, bed and breakfast inns,
restaurants, campgrounds, shops and amusements are within walking distance of
the beach. Tybee is home to Georgia's tallest lighthouse. Visit Tybee Museum,
the lightkeeper's cottage exhibit, Fort Screven and Officers' Row. Tybee offers
five miles of public beach, a fishing pier, boating and restaurants. Stop by
City Hall and visit with Col. Pat Locklear, former Mayor of Tybee and supporter
of the Local Scout Troop.
The first European explorers were the French and Spanish. In 1605 the French
were drawn to Tybee for the Sassafras roots which at the time were considered by
Europeans to be a miracle cure. The Spanish would fight the French in a naval battle just off shore of Tybee Island
to regain control over the area. Guale Indian
uprisings forced the removal of the French and pushed the Spanish back southward towards St. Augustine until the
later arrival of British colonialism.
For many decades Pirates visited the Islands in search of a safe haven and
hiding place for their treasure. Tybee and remote islands were also a source for
fresh water and game to replenish supplies.
In 1733 General James Oglethorpe and a handful of settlers disembarked at
Yamacraw Bluff. Savannah was chosen as a namesake, beckoning with vast
marshlands and tall grass. Here the settlers established a new colony named to
honor King George II. Tybee Island was considered extremely important to the
development and future of Savannah and the colony. Oglethorpe General Oglethorpe
ordered a lighthouse constructed to mark the entrance to the river in 1736. A
small fort was constructed to insure control over access to the river. In 1736,
John Wesley, the "Father of Methodism",
said the first English prayer on the American Continent at Tybee Island. Tybee
would play a significant role throughout Georgia and U.S. history, including the
Revolutionary war, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War.
LInks:
The Tybee
Council of the Savannah Area Convention & Visitor's Bureau
Fort Pulaski National
Park
Tybee
Island History
Tybee Island Lighthouse
Tybee Island Online
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