In 1804, four acres of land was bought by the Federal Government for $1 as the site for the first lighthouse and a one-story frame residence. Originally the lighthouse was to be built of hard brick, however, for economic purposes, most of the material used in the construction was "tabby." It's a mixture of oyster shell, lime, sand, and water. The tower was 75-feet, exclusive of the lantern. An iron lantern 10-feet high and 8-feet in diameter rested on top of the tower. The lighthouse was placed into service in 1810. During the Civil War, the lighthouse was blown up by Confederate forces in 1862 to prevent use by Federal troops.
A second lighthouse was constructed in 1872, which is the present light pictured above. It is equipped with the original third-order Fresnel lens which shines 18-miles out to sea. The 104-foot tower has a cast-iron spiral staircase consisting of 129-steps to the top. The adjacent keeper's house is a unique Victorian design.
In 1939 the lighthouse was placed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1953 they automated the light and the last lighthouse keeper retired.
At the time of my visit here in 2000, the keeper's dwelling was owned by Glynn County and all structures were maintained and operated by the Coastal GA Historical Society. The light was active and continued under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard. The installation was open to the public with an entry fee.
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