Tybee Island Live Cam

History

Tybee Island, located just 18 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. Originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Yamacraw, who were part of the larger Creek Confederacy, the island was an important site for fishing, hunting, and trade. The name "Tybee" is derived from the Native American word "tubbee," meaning "salt," likely referring to the salt marshes that line the island’s shores. The area was abundant with resources and played a significant role in the indigenous economy long before European settlers arrived.

European exploration of Tybee Island began in the early 16th century, with the Spanish being the first to document the island in 1520. The island’s strategic location made it a key point for maritime navigation, and it soon became a critical outpost for the Spanish in their efforts to expand their territory in the Americas. However, it wasn’t until the British arrived in the 1730s that Tybee began to play a more significant role in the history of Georgia. In 1733, General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, established the colony of Georgia, with Tybee Island serving as one of the first points of entry for settlers arriving from Europe. The island was used as a base to defend the colony from potential Spanish and French incursions along the southeastern coast.

During the American Revolution, Tybee Island was of strategic importance due to its position along the Savannah River, which was essential for the transportation of goods and troops. The British occupied the island for a time and used it as a military stronghold. The Tybee Island Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1736, became a beacon for both colonial defenders and British invaders. This lighthouse was one of the earliest of its kind in America, and its construction was a testament to the growing importance of Tybee Island as a port of entry and defense.

The island's role in the Civil War was also significant. During the conflict, Tybee Island served as a site for Confederate fortifications. Union forces eventually captured the island, using it as a staging ground for attacks against Confederate positions along the coast. In 1862, the Battle of Fort Pulaski took place on the nearby Cockspur Island, which lies just across the river from Tybee. The Union victory there was a decisive moment in the Civil War and marked the beginning of the end for Confederate coastal defenses. The historical legacy of the Civil War is still evident on Tybee Island, where Fort Pulaski National Monument stands as a preserved symbol of the conflict.

As the 20th century arrived, Tybee Island transformed from a military outpost to a popular tourist destination. With its pristine beaches and natural beauty, the island became a favorite getaway for Savannah residents and tourists alike. Over the years, Tybee has maintained a charming, small-town atmosphere, with its quaint cottages, historic landmarks, and peaceful beaches attracting visitors from around the world.

Today, Tybee Island is not only a beloved vacation spot but also a place where history comes to life. The Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum, Fort Pulaski, and various other historical sites allow visitors to step back in time and experience the island's rich cultural heritage. Tybee Island has also played a role in the preservation of local marine life, with efforts to protect the island's nesting sea turtles and wildlife becoming a significant part of the local community's environmental focus.

Climate

Tybee Island, like much of Georgia’s coast, experiences a humid subtropical climate, marked by long, hot summers and mild winters. The island’s position along the Atlantic Ocean makes it an ideal destination for beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. The weather on Tybee is heavily influenced by ocean breezes, which help moderate the heat during the summer months. Summer temperatures typically range from 80°F (27°C) to 95°F (35°C), with humidity levels often making it feel even hotter. However, the cooling effects of the ocean make the heat more bearable, and Tybee’s beaches provide an ideal place to relax and escape the summer swelter.

Spring and fall are perhaps the best times to visit Tybee Island, as the weather is mild and pleasant. During these seasons, daytime temperatures typically range from 60°F (16°C) to 80°F (27°C), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, and exploring the island’s natural beauty. The fall season also brings a drop in humidity, creating a more comfortable experience for those looking to enjoy the beach or explore the island’s many parks and nature reserves.

Winters on Tybee Island are typically mild, with daytime highs averaging between 50°F (10°C) and 65°F (18°C). While snow is extremely rare, occasional cold fronts can bring brief periods of cooler weather. The winter months are considered the off-season for tourism, making it a quiet and peaceful time to visit the island. Although the temperatures are cooler, the beaches still offer scenic views, and visitors can explore the island’s historical sites without the summer crowds.

Tybee Island’s climate also means that it is susceptible to tropical storms and hurricanes, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. The island’s coastal location makes it vulnerable to strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. However, due to its preparedness and resilient infrastructure, Tybee Island has weathered these storms throughout its history. Visitors should always be aware of weather conditions and plan accordingly during the hurricane season.

Geography

Tybee Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Georgia, forming part of the larger system of islands known as the Golden Isles. The island spans approximately 3 miles (5 km) in length and 1 mile (1.5 km) in width, making it relatively small but packed with natural beauty and attractions. Its geography is shaped by sandy beaches, salt marshes, tidal creeks, and lush coastal vegetation, offering a rich variety of ecosystems to explore.

The island is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Savannah River to the west. This strategic location along the river and ocean has made Tybee Island a key site throughout history. The island’s beaches are among the most popular attractions, with wide stretches of sand perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. The island’s northern and southern ends feature the most developed beach areas, with public access points and amenities such as piers and boardwalks. The central portion of the island is home to residential areas, historic homes, and nature reserves, providing a more relaxed and scenic atmosphere for visitors.

Tybee Island’s topography includes a series of dunes, marshes, and tidal flats. The island is characterized by low-lying terrain, with its highest point reaching just 15 feet (4.5 meters) above sea level. The sandy dunes along the beach serve as important habitats for wildlife and provide natural protection against coastal erosion. The island’s salt marshes are home to a wide variety of birds, fish, and other wildlife, making Tybee a popular destination for birdwatching and eco-tourism.

The Tybee Island Lighthouse, which stands proudly at the eastern end of the island, is one of the most recognizable landmarks. It has guided sailors safely into the Savannah River for centuries. The lighthouse, built in 1736 and rebuilt in 1773, is a beacon of the island’s maritime history and offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. Visitors can climb to the top for stunning vistas of the island’s beaches, marshes, and the Savannah River entrance.

Tybee Island is also known for its proximity to nearby islands, such as Little Tybee Island, which is a designated wilderness area accessible only by boat. Little Tybee Island is an unspoiled natural paradise, offering pristine beaches and opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The island’s remote beauty is a haven for nature lovers and a perfect spot for exploring Georgia’s untouched coastal ecosystems.

New Tip: While visiting Tybee Island, consider taking a kayak tour around Little Tybee Island, where you can explore the secluded beaches, marshes, and wildlife of this pristine area. An interesting fact: Tybee Island is home to one of the largest populations of nesting loggerhead sea turtles in Georgia, and conservation efforts are in place to protect these endangered creatures during the nesting season.

On the Water at Tybee Island’s beautiful Back River

There is a threat of hurricanes along the coast during the months of June through November of each year. The City has prepared an emergency management plan, which coordinates with the countywide Chatham Emergency Management Agency, the statewide Georgia Emergency Management Agency and FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The local plan prepares residents and visitors for voluntary and mandatory evacuations. The City prepares its facilities correspondingly. There is an effort to move equipment and personnel to Critical Workforce Shelters inland, and cooperates with CEMA to form a skilled and trained re-entry team. Visitors and residents are advised to leave the island when the first call for voluntary evacuation is issued because the routes inland will be crowded with evacuees. Folks remaining on the island during a major hurricane are cut off from the mainland and no rescue attempts can be made during the storm. Jump to "NOAA" the site that keeps us all abreast of incoming storms.

The earliest historic references available concerning this small island date back to when the local inhabitants were the native American Euchee Indians. From their native tongue, the word "tybee" which meant "salt" came to become the actual name of the island of Tybee.

Time passed, as it does, on into the early 1500's when the Spanish laid claim to our island as part of Spain's "La Florida", and specifically called it by the name "Los Bajos". The Savannah river they called "Rio Dulce" translated to mean "sweet" or "soft" river. For many years the island was also visited by pirates for refuge, to bury treasure, and as a source of fresh water. As for Spain, well, eventually the time would come when they would give up their claim to Tybee and the surrounding area due to the overpowerment of the French, and British settlements.

In 1733 a small group of English settlers with, and under the leadership of James Edward Oglethorpe came to settle on, and around the island of Tybee. Three years later John Wesley who came to be the founder of the first Methodist Church, also arrived to set roots, and establish himself in the area. He is credited as being the first person to express a prayer (on Tybee) on the American continent.

That same year the original Tybee Island lighthouse was ordered to be constructed by James Oglethorpe. It was completed in 1736 under the direction of a man named Henry Talbot. It was made of brick and cedar piles, and stood 90 foot high, making it the tallest structure of its kind in America. In 1741 while a new lighthouse was under construction, (also by Oglethorpe order, and under the direction of Noble Jones) a storm destroyed the original, and it was temporarily replaced with a flag atop a tall mast! The new one standing 94 feet high was completed in 1742.

The Tybee lighthouse received the personal attention of George Washington concerning the inquiry as to which kind of staircase to build; A hanging staircase, or the more budget minded plain staircase.

In 1869 the lighthouse was moved back a hundred and sixty-four feet from it's original location. The walls became cracked and damaged on several occasions between the years 1871 and 1886, twice by storms, and once again by a earthquake stemming from Charleston SC. which also broke the lens of the light itself. This great lighthouse has been in subject to, and threatened by many wars; It was prepared as a relay warning if the British should attempt to attack the area during the war of 1812.

Revolution, The War Between the States, World War 1, and World War 2; Tybee Lighthouse knew, experienced, and suffered those perilous times. The "new" lighthouse stands at a hundred and fifty-four feet. In 1933 the Tybee Lighthouse acquired its first electric light source, but technological advances had made the need of its navigational light obsolete, and after only three weeks the lighthouse was given by the US government over to the Georgia Historical society.

The sentence "In 1869 the lighthouse was moved back a hundred and sixty-four feet from it's original location to protect it from increasing tides and gale winds." is not accurate. The current tower was erected in 1773 and has stood in place since then.

The last sentence and after only three weeks the lighthouse was given by the US government over to the Georgia Historical Society" is not accurate. The Tybee Island Historical Society, through a lease agreement with the U. S. Coast Guard, took over operation of the Light Station in 1987 and has sole responsibility for maintaining and restoring the Light Station. The Coast Guard still maintains the light itself, which marks the entrance of the Savannah River from the Atlantic Ocean.

Savannah is widely renowned for its many historical features a reputation earned in large part because of the city's active role in American history and the beautiful preservation of its centuries-old buildings, parks, and other properties.