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Tybee Island, Georgia is a senior vacation and resort area located near Savannah.

Tybee Island GA History

In 1520, Spanish explorer Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon claimed Tybee Island for Spain. In 1605, the French came to Tybee in search of Sassafras roots, which were considered a miracle cure. For many decades, pirates visited the Island in search of a safe haven and hiding place for treasure.

In 1733, General James Oglethorpe and a handful of settlers came to the area and established a new colony. General Oglethorpe ordered the construction of Fort Pulaski and a lighthouse in 1736.

Tybee played a significant role throughout U.S. history. It was the staging area in 1779 for French Admiral D'Estaing's ill-fated "Seige of Savannah" when combined forces attempted to defeat the British who held Savannah. During the War of 1812, the Tybee Island Lighthouse was used as a signal tower to warn Savannah of possible attack by the British. During the Civil War, Confederates first occupied the Island. Later, Union forces seized control of Tybee. After the Civil War, Tybee grew as a resort area for local Savannah residents.

In 1855, Fort Screven was built on Tybee to provide a modern system of seacoast defenses. Fort Screven was an integral part of America's Coastal Defense system until 1947 when the Fort was closed and sold to the Town of Tybee.

Tybee Island Georgia – Popular Resort Area for Seniors

Today, Tybee Island Georgia is a popular resort area for senior tourists.