Fort Screven — Attraction in Tybee Island

The Legislature of Georgia in 1786 passed a law providing for a fort on Cockspur or Tybee Island to be named in honor of General James Screven, Revolutionary War hero. It was never built by the state. In 1808 the Federal government obtained jurisdiction over the property on Tybee Island now known as Fort Screven Reservation. Actual title was acquired in 1875 and the post, established in 1898, was in continuous use from the Spanish-American War through both World Wars. Primarily a Coast Artillery fort, at one time Fort Fremont in South Carolina was under its jurisdiction. It became an Infantry post and finally a school for deep-sea diving. Many distinguished officers saw duty here, including General George C. Marshall as colonel in command. In 1945 Fort Screven was declared surplus by the War Department and acquired by town of...

We went in March, so it was out of season, but the beaches were wide open to walk and a guy was surfing there. There wasn't much of a shell collectors draw, but I don't know if that changes through seasons. The area looks like it can be a draw for vacationers. There is a public restroom, photo booth, vending machine and vending space. You can walk to the fort, to an upper level that has quarter binoculars to look out to sea. The lighthouse is right in that area within walking distance. But, out of season nothing is really going on. This is good if you aren't a fan of crowds. As an older couple we were ok to just walk around. We didn't actually go into the fort because it wasn't open yet on an early...

In 1786, the Georgia Legislature approved the creation of a fort on Tybee Island to be named after Revolutionary War Hero, General James Screven. Due to delays, the fort did not come to fruition until almost 100 years later. Upon its creation in 1897, Fort Screven served as an integral part of America’s Coastal Defense system. Originally ordered by General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, Fort Screven was designed to guard the mouth of the Savannah River until the end of World War II. In 1947, the fort was closed and sold to the City of Tybee. Unlike traditional forts like the neighboring Fort Pulaski National Monument, Fort Screven now serves as more of a district rather...