Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island Lighthouse

     In the early 1800's a series of forts were built along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts after the War of 1812 showed the newly formed United States that their huge coastline made the country vulnerable to attack.  Fort Pulaski was built on Cockspur Island to defend the entrance to the Savannah River and prevent attacts on the city of Savannah and valuable shipping.  The fort became a factor in the Civil War when the Confederates seized the fort to protect their seaport at Savannah.

    The fort had 7.5 foot thick walls built on massive piers which still support the walls so well that they have never cracked.  The Fort was considered to be impregnable.  However, the a new type of cannon used by the Union gunners had a much greater range, accuracy and most important, penetration power.  The Union pounded the Confederate-held fort for a day and a half and pretty much destroyed the wall which protected the magazine containing 40,000 pounds of gunpowder.  Rather than being blown up, the Confederates surrendered.  This was an important win for the Union.  

    I find the Civil War history interesting, but two other pieces of history struck me more.  First, after the fort was taken over by the Union Army it housed Union troops and was used to prevent Southern ships from resupplying troops near Savannah.  Pictures and old journals show that the large grassy area inside the fort walls was used by the troops for playing an early version of baseball!

    The fort also became part of the Underground Railroad to help runaway slaves move out of the South to safety.  Quilts with special patterns hung in the fort to help the runaways learn where to find  the next safe station on the road north.  

   We had a picnic lunch outdoors again today, but were tormented by no-seeum's.  They are just thick now, but don't bite, thank goodness.  Then we drove to the next island and toured the Tybee Island Lighthouse.  The first lighthouse on this site was built in 1773, before the Revolutionary War.  The next lighthouse that was built was burned by the Confederate Army to prevent its use as a signal for Union troops.  The current lighthouse was built in 1867 and is still in active use.  The light can be seen 18 miles out to sea.  Although at one time the lighthouse keeper had to haul gallons of oil up the 178 steps to keep the light burning, the current light automatically switches bulbs when one burns out.

    We walked down to the beach to catch a view of the lighthouse from the water.  It was a perfect day for the beach with warm sunshine and only a light breeze.  The water was pretty chilly, though, so I only got my feet wet.  As we entered the parking lot we saw a sign with high water marks from various hurricanes.  I definitely don't want to be on that island if a hurricane is on its way.  Nearly everything would be under water.

     We went back to our wonderful cottage for one last beer on the porch and then had a great dinner at Molly MacPherson's Scottish Pub.  After some Bangers and Mash, Shepherds Pie, and lamb chops we rolled ourselves back to the cottage to pack up and get ready to move tomorrow.