Cockspur Island Lighthouse

History of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse

The purpose of this little tower is to mark the entrance to the Savannah River. Together with another light they became the North Channel Light and the South Channel Light, with Cockspur Island being the South Channel Light. The North Channel Light no longer exists, it was destroyed during the Civil War.

The South Channel Light was much more luckier. It has withstood many hardships, with one being the Civil War. The lighthouse was in the direct line of fire between the Confederate Forces at Fort Pulaski and the Union Troops at Tybee Island, but it emerged with out a scratch. It was relit and was in service until 1949, when the light was retired.

It has also withstood erosion. As you can see from the picture above, the island has eroded to the point where the tower is actually sitting in the water. This shouldn't stop the adventuresome lighthouse hunter, the tower is open to the public. From books I have read, the best way to approach is by boat. But you can also park at the Fort and hike to the eastern end of the island where the lighthouse is. When I was there, it looked very marshy, so a boat might be a better idea.

Pulaski National Monument
PO Box 30757
Savannah, GA 31410
(912) 786-5787

Directions: The lighthouse sits on the grounds of Fort Pulaski National Monument. From I-95, head east on I-16 to the 37th Street connector. At the intersection of 37th Street and Martin Luther King Blvd, make a right onto MLK Blvd. You will take MLK Blvd to US-80, and make a left onto US-80. From here, you will follow US-80 for about 15 miles to the cut off for Fort Pulaski. Some of the best views of the lighthouse are from the walls of the fort.

Another view is just over the bridge onto Tybee Island, there is a cut off on the left-hand side that takes you down to a small parking area with a boat launch. This area also affords some nice views.

View more Cockspur Island Lighthouse pictures