History of Tybee Island, Georgia in Timeline
Tybee Island, located 18 miles east of Savannah, Georgia, is both a city and a barrier island in Chatham County. While the name refers to both the city and the island, they are geographically distinct. The city of Tybee Island only encompasses a portion of the island, with the remaining area being unincorporated.
2 hours ago : Crush Reloaded Brings Thousands to Tybee Island; Savannah Announces Road Closures.
Crush Reloaded is drawing thousands to Tybee Island, Georgia, this weekend, prompting Savannah to announce downtown road closures. Attendees are advised to prepare for traffic and plan accordingly for the event.
1916: Fourth Day Mark Reversion
In 1916, the current black-and-white tower markings of the Tybee Lighthouse were reverted to its fourth day mark, which was first used at that time.
1929: Savannah Beach Publicity Move
In 1929, Tybee Island was officially renamed Savannah Beach in a publicity effort.
1930: Tybee Post Theater Constructed
In 1930, the Tybee Post Theater was constructed at Fort Screven, becoming one of Georgia's first theaters to have sound features.
1940: Island Development
By 1940, Tybee Island had four hotels, including the Desoto Hotel and Hotel Tybee, along with numerous smaller lodges.
1947: Fort Screven Decommissioned
In 1947, Fort Screven was decommissioned after serving as a valuable part of coastal defense.
February 5, 1958: Accidental Atomic Bomb Drop
On February 5, 1958, the U.S. Air Force accidentally dropped a Mark 15 nuclear bomb into the sea off Tybee Island during an accidental collision of two aircraft. The bomb did not detonate and was never recovered, causing ongoing concern.
1970: First Days Inn Opened
In 1970, Cecil B. Day opened the first Days Inn on Tybee Island.
1978: Reversion to Tybee Island Name
In 1978, the City of Tybee Island reverted to its original name after previously being named Savannah Beach.
1982: Fort Screven on National Historic Register
In 1982, the entire Fort Screven district was placed on the National Historic Register.
1987: Inaugural Beach Bum Parade
Since 1987, Tybee Island has held a Beach Bum parade annually, traditionally in May before Memorial Day weekend, where onlookers shoot each other with water guns.
1996: Tybee Pier and Pavilion Replacement
In 1996, the Tybee Pier and Pavilion replaced the Tybrisa Pavilion, which had burned down in 1967.
2004: Private Search for the Tybee Bomb
In 2004, retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant Colonel Derek Duke participated in a private search for the "Tybee Bomb", finding "high levels of radiation and unusual magnetometer readings" off the Tybee coast.
2005: Air Force Search for Tybee Bomb
In 2005, The Air Force reported to the media that the source of the high radiation found in 2004 near the area was likely monazite, a mineral naturally high in radiation.
2005: Land Acquisition for Civil War Commemoration
In 2005, the City of Tybee Island obtained a federal grant to acquire two tracts of land where Union soldiers launched their attack against Fort Pulaski, commemorating Tybee's historic significance in the Civil War.
2005: Inaugural Tybee Pirate Fest
In 2005, the Tybee Pirate Fest began and is typically held the weekend before Columbus Day.
2009: School Enrollment
In the 2009-10 school year, there were approximately 34,668 students in the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System, which includes Tybee Island.
June 15, 2016: Shark Attack Numbers Withheld
On June 15, 2016, the Tybee city council voted to withhold shark attack numbers where the attacks did not result in loss of life, due to pressure from local businesses concerned about declining tourism.
2019: Orange Crush Canceled
In 2019, the "Orange Crush" event on Tybee Island was canceled, and future events were moved to Jacksonville Beach, Florida.
2020: United States Census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,114 people, 1,305 households, and 831 families residing in the city.
2020: 2020 Census
In 2020, the city's population was approximately 3,000 people, and the entire island was part of the Savannah metropolitan statistical area.
2025: Orange Crush Returns
The "Orange Crush" event returned to Tybee Island for the 2025 season.
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