By Karen Ellis
Georgia Lighthouses
Although Georgia's coastline is short in comparison to Florida's, it boasts several historic lighthouses. These tall towers were built to warn ships of the impending danger of hazardous coastlines or to guide them into harbors. Originally, fires and candles were used to light them. Later the lighthouse lamps were lit electrically or by oil.
Saint Simons Lighthouse
This 104-foot white tower includes a lighthouse keeper's home. It is located on St. Simon's Island, just off the shores of the Georgia mainland. After many years of duty, the building has been restored and opened as a museum.
Sapelo Lighthouse
This wooden lighthouse sets atop a metal frame (first built in wood). It was used to guide ships into Doboy Sounds. Today it is a non-working, restored lighthouse that is open to the public for tours.
Tybee Lighthouse
This lighthouse is one of the best restored and intact of the country. All of its support buildings are still in place. The Tybee Island Historical Society have restored and maintained it. It is open for public tours.
Little Cumberland Lighthouse
This 1838 Tower is located at the northern end of Little Cumberland Island, in Georgia. It was used as a working lighthouse until 1915. A private foundation owns it today.
Savannah Harbor Light
This 77-foot light house was erected in 1858 to guide ships coming into the Savannah Harbor, past six scuttled Revolutionary War ships. The Savannah Harbor Light is not the traditional lighthouse, but an oil-lit cast iron shaft in Emmet Park on the edge of the Savannah River.
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About the Author:
Karen Ellis has been a full-time writer since 2006. She is an expert crafter, with more than 30 years of experience in knitting, chrocheting, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking and other arts. She is an expert gardener, with lifelong experience. Ellis has taken many classes in these subjects and taught classes, as well.
Photo Credits:
nadjab at Flickr
