Happy Birthday Tybee Island!!!

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — Tybee Island was officially incorporated on this day in 1887, marking 139 years since the coastal community’s founding.

The island’s history goes back even further, including its indigenous communities and European settlement, before Tybee became one of Georgia’s most popular beach destinations.

Island’s name traces to Yuchi Indians

Tybee Mayor Brian West said even the island’s name has a story.

“In the 1500s this was the home to the Yuchi Indians. Tybee gets its name from their word for salt. So, this is Salt Island or Tybee Island,” West said.

The island was also home to indigenous people and attracted European explorers long before Tybee became a popular beach destination.

West said James Oglethorpe came to the island and set up a base there.

“James Oglethorpe came here, he set up base here first. He built a lighthouse here set up protection for the coast and then set up savannah on the bluff after everything was kind of like you know protection was set up here,” West said.

Previous names, visitor numbers

The island was previously known as Ocean City and later Savannah Beach. Tybee Island now welcomes nearly 2 million visitors a year.

West said to expect an even bigger celebration for Tybee’s 140th anniversary next year.