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.

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.

1967: Tybrisa Pavilion Fire

In 1967, the Tybrisa Pavilion burned down.

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.