Tybee Island's Unique History
Once coveted by European powers, Tybee Island's history is not only long—it's surprising. In this episode of Only on Tybee, we explore an island once visited by pirates, colonized by European settlers and home to enslaved communities before becoming the coastal escape millions know today. Fort Pulaski Park Ranger Maxwell Farley and Tybee Island Historical Society Executive Director Sarah Jones guide us through the people, places and pivotal moments that shaped Georgia's beloved barrier island.
Tybee has always had one foot in the ocean and the other in history. Long before beach umbrellas, ships from around the world paused at Lazaretto Creek before entering the Port of Savannah. All newcomers, including immigrants and enslaved people, were inspected before continuing inland, making the island one of the first chapters in countless journeys.
Look a little farther and you'll find Fort Pulaski, where the handprints of enslaved laborers can still be seen in the bricks they shaped by hand. Climb 178 steps to the top of the Tybee Island Light Station and Museum, and you'll stand inside one of America's most intact lighthouses, with sweeping views of the marshes, South Carolina and the waters that first brought explorers, soldiers and sailors to Georgia's coast.
That's the beauty of Tybee. History isn't confined to museum exhibits or history books. It's woven into the shoreline, waiting to be discovered around every corner.
Meet the Locals
Maxwell Farley
PARK RANGER, Fort Pulaski
"Coastal Georgia history is incredibly diverse; there's a lot of variety. Tybee Island is one thread in that quilt."
Maxwell helps visitors uncover the many layers of Tybee's past, from military strategy and engineering to the stories of the people who helped shape Georgia's coast. His passion for preservation brings history to life one story at a time.
sarah jones
Executive Director, Tybee Island Historical Society
"People don't realize that Tybee Island was really a very happening place in the 30s and 40s. It was known as the 'gateway to the ocean.' "
Sarah has dedicated her career to preserving and sharing Tybee Island's remarkable history. From the island's earliest explorers to its vibrant beach culture, she helps connect visitors with the people, places and moments that continue to define Tybee today.
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Visit Fort Pulaski National Monument.
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Bring history to life with a guided group tour through Fort Pulaski’s storied grounds.
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Tybee Island Lighthouse
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Let all who visit know you were here!
How to Experience It for Yourself
Book Your Adventure
Step into Tybee Island's past with visits to Fort Pulaski National Monument and the Tybee Island Light Station & Museum. Explore Civil War history, climb 178 steps to the top of one of America's most intact lighthouses and follow the Black History Trail to discover the people and moments that helped shape the island's story.
Best Time to Visit
Tybee's historic landmarks can be explored year-round. Spring and fall offer comfortable weather for walking Fort Pulaski's trails, and touring the lighthouse grounds, while cooler mornings are ideal for enjoying both sites before exploring the rest of the island.
What to Expect
History on Tybee isn't confined to museum exhibits. It's found in the handprints preserved in Fort Pulaski's bricks, the panoramic views from the lighthouse and the stories woven throughout the island's shoreline. Come curious, wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to uncover the many layers of Tybee's remarkable past.
Keep Exploring Tybee
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10 Reasons to Visit the Tybee Island LighthouseKnown as one of the quintessential sights on Tybee Island, the Tybee Island Lighthouse is a shining... -
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