St Simons Island Lighthouse - Georgia |
610 Beachview Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522
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The St. Simons Island Light is a lighthouse on the southern tip of St. Simons Island, Georgia
Prints & DownloadsMap |
LocationFrom Highway 17 in Brunswick, take the Torras Causeway to Saint Simons Island. After the bridge over the Frederica River, turn right on King’s Way. Stay on King’s Way past the blinking light at Sea Island Causeway, and past the traffic signal at Frederica Road (at this intersection, you will see the airport on your left). At the next traffic signal, turn right on Mallory Street, go one block to Beachview and turn left. Go 1/4 mile to 12th Street and turn right. St. Simons Lighthouse will be on your right at the end of the street.
Google Maps HERE HistoryKey Historical Highlights:
The Civil War and the Lighthouse's Dark YearsDuring the American Civil War (1861-1865), the St. Simons Island Lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding ships safely into the Brunswick harbor. However, when the war intensified, Union forces blockaded the Georgia coast, cutting off Confederate supplies. Fearing that the lighthouse would be used by the Union Navy for navigation, Confederate troops made a drastic decision—in 1862, they destroyed the lighthouse, ensuring that their enemies couldn’t use it to their advantage. For years, St. Simons Island was left without its guiding light, making the coastline treacherous for sailors. Rebuilding After Destruction After the war ended, the government realized the importance of restoring the lighthouse. In 1872, a new lighthouse--the one that still stands today—was completed. It was built taller and stronger, standing at 104 feet The Duel That Left a Haunting In 1880, St. Simons Island Lighthouse was maintained by head keeper Frederick Osborne and his assistant, John Stevens. The two men were known to have a tense working relationship, and their disagreements often turned into heated arguments. One fateful evening, their conflict escalated beyond mere words. Accounts suggest that Osborne made an inappropriate comment about Stevens’ wife, which enraged the assistant keeper. The two men confronted each other near the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, and Stevens pulled out a gun and shot Osborne, fatally wounding him. Osborne died from his injuries, and Stevens was arrested. However, during the trial, he claimed self-defense and was acquitted, allowing him to later take over as the lighthouse keeper himself. The Ghostly Presence Not long after Osborne’s death, strange occurrences began happening at the lighthouse. Keepers and visitors reported hearing footsteps echoing up the spiral staircase when no one was there. Some claimed to hear mysterious whistling, believed to be Osborne's signature habit in life.
EASY Access . You can step out of your car and walk to the location easily.
LENS - 24mm to 50mm would create great images. |
