Perched at the south end of St. Simons Island in Georgia, the St. Simons Lighthouse, built in 1872, wears its history with pride. The original lighthouse on this site was erected in 1810 and served as a guiding beam for ships navigating the perilous waters of St. Simons Sound. However, it met its untimely destruction at the hands of Confederate forces in 1861.
A new light, the current lighthouse, was constructed and became a significant beacon for Federal troops throughout the Civil War, and still today, it stands as one of the few surviving light towers in Georgia. It remains an active instrument for navigation, its light stretching across the sea to guide vessels safely. Down the years, the keeper’s dwelling, a charming two-story Victorian structure, has been home to many, including the first lighthouse keeper, James Gould from Massachusetts.
Boasting an adjoining Lighthouse Museum within the keeper’s dwelling, the lighthouse offers visitors a chance to delve into the history of these historic structures. Interactive exhibits display rare artifacts and recreate period rooms, providing a glimpse into the day-to-day life of past lighthouse keepers. Those seeking adventure can climb the 129 steps to the lighthouse’s top for panoramic views of the coast, Jekyll Island, the mainland Brunswick, and the bustling village and pier below—images that have captivated the eyes of countless visitors, including myself, evoking a sense of reflection and awe at the vast sea and storied past encapsulated within this historic landmark.
10 Quick Fun Facts About The St. Simons Lighthouse
- The St. Simons Lighthouse, an iconic structure on Georgia’s coast, celebrated 150 years on September 1, 2022.
- Standing 104 feet tall with a tapered build, it’s a new lighthouse replacing the original destroyed by Confederate forces.
- The lighthouse measures 32 meters at its base and is well-known for its 3rd-order Fresnel lens.
- Its light projects a beacon that powers through at 23 miles into the sea, guiding ships safely.
- The Keeper’s Dwelling and St. Simons Lighthouse Museum explores and commemorates the site’s history.
- A 3-meter-wide viewing platform can be reached by climbing 129 steps, offering breathtaking views of the Golden Isles.
- The light show, visible from the lighthouse, has become a cherished occasion for many visitors.
- The lighthouse serves as a projection of the area’s past, standing more than 10 feet tall as a historic landmark.
- A quick look or a deep dive into the fascinating facts of the lighthouse reveals its significant role in the state’s navigational history.
- The captivating background of the sea and land embraced by the lighthouse evokes a sense of connection and reflection for all who uncover its depth.
St. Simons Lighthouse History
The St. Simons Lighthouse, standing proudly at the southern end of St. Simons Island in Georgia, is an embodiment of both history and resilience. Built-in 1872, this towering structure replaced the original lighthouse constructed in 1810, which was tragically destroyed by Confederate forces in an effort to block the Union’s approach during the Civil War. The new lighthouse served as a critical navigation beacon throughout the war and continues to fulfill that role today, steering ships away from the perilous St. Simons Sound.
A striking example of Victorian architecture, the lighthouse has a storied past, with the first keeper’s dwelling, still on site, acting as a tangible connection to its origins and the life of its inaugural keeper, James Gould from Massachusetts.
Adjacent to the lighthouse itself is the Lighthouse Museum, housed in the two-story Victorian structure where keepers once lived. Here, visitors are transported back in time, thanks to interactive exhibits and rare artifacts that paint a vivid picture of a bygone era. The climb of 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse offers not just a challenging ascent but also the reward of panoramic views that sweep across the coast, capturing the beauty of Jekyll Island, mainland Brunswick, and the vibrant village and pier below. It’s an experience that leaves many in awe, conjuring a deep appreciation for the historic landmark that has watched over the sea and the stories it holds.
Best Times to Visit
For those yearning to soak in the charm of this historical marvel, the lighthouse is open to visitors Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sundays from noon. It’s a panoramic experience, as visitors can climb the 129 steps to the top for a panoramic view that embraces the coast, Jekyll Island, and mainland Brunswick. To avoid the crowds and truly savor the visit, it is recommended to come during the lunch hour or in the afternoon.
Learn Something New
A visit to the St. Simons Lighthouse Museum is more than a rendezvous with history; it is an opportunity to learn and discover. Whether it’s taking a trip down history lane to view artifacts from the World War II Home Front or understanding the advancements in lighthouse technology, there’s always something new to explore. The museum offers a bundled discount price for those looking to explore more about the Golden Isles.
Take a Museum Tour
Led by the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, a museum tour here connects people to a dynamic history through self-guided tours or a guided group experience. With special discounted rates for larger groups, every tour is an opportunity to engage with the collections that tell the stories of this historic venue.
St. Simons Island Lighthouse Events
The lighthouse stands as a versatile venue for both locals and visitors, hosting various events throughout the year. From weddings to gatherings, the calendar is always teeming with future opportunities to enjoy the ambiance of St. Simons Island.
Little Light Music Concert Series
For over 25 years, the oceanfront lawn of the Lighthouse has echoed with melodies from the Little Light Music Concert Series. This tradition marks the summers with live music concerts held between 7 and 9 p.m., where residents and visitors alike can revel under the stars.
St. Simons Lighthouse Anniversary Projection
Each year, the anniversary of the St. Simons Island Lighthouse is celebrated with a laser light projection show. It’s an annual event where friends and family gather with their blankets and folding chairs to bask in a night of fun and spectacle.
Providing the area with history, events, and scenic views
Through every beam of light and each carefully curated event, the St. Simons Lighthouse offers experiences that merge learning, exploration, and scenic views. To step onto this historical site is to prepare oneself for an enriching journey through the storied past of the Golden Isles.
Conclusion
The St. Simons Lighthouse on Georgia’s coast stands as a testament to both history and functionality, having guided ships through St. Simons Sound’s treacherous waters since 1872. This symbol of resilience replaced an original structure destroyed during the Civil War, with a legacy reflected in its Victorian architecture and the adjacent museum.
Visitors are offered a blend of educational exhibits, historical tales, and breathtaking views from the top, enriching their understanding of the site’s past and its enduring role in maritime navigation. With its plethora of events and activities, the St. Simons Lighthouse is more than an emblem of history; it is a vibrant, living monument that continues to capture the imagination and evoke the quaint charm of the Golden Isles.
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FAQs
What are some facts about St. Simons Island GA?
St. Simons Island
1. It is around the same size as Manhattan.
2. Has a humid, subtropical climate.
3. Originally inhabited by tribes of the Creek Nation
4. Called Guadalquini in the Timucua language
5. Produced rice and cotton for the Georgia colony, and worked by large numbers of enslaved Africans.
6. Helped construct the U.S.S.
Why is St. Simons Island famous?
Located across the Marshes of Glynn, the Island is the largest barrier island in the Golden Isles. Although mostly famous for its pristine beaches and warm temperatures, St. Simons Island offers many activities and attractions to enjoy along with its distinct southern charm.
Can you go inside St. Simon’s lighthouse?
Visitors may climb the Lighthouse tower and visit the Keeper’s Dwelling, which houses the Museum exhibits. To learn more about our site, see our Campus Map.
How many steps are in St. Simon’s lighthouse?
Visitors may climb the 129 steps to the top to experience spectacular, panoramic views of the coast including Jekyll Island, the mainland (Brunswick), and the south end of St. Simons Island. The Keeper’s Dwelling is a two-story Victorian structure that was the home of lighthouse keepers from 1872 until the 1950s.
What is Saint Simon known for?
Saint Simon was surnamed the Zealot for his belief and teachings of the Jewish Law. He was one of the original followers of Christ and is commonly linked with St. Jude as the two spread the word of Christ.