Sapelo Island Light

Sapelo Island Light is a brick lighthouse rising about 20 meters with a conical shape marked by six alternating red and white stripes. The structure sits on Sapelo Island and once served as a key navigation point for ships in Georgia's coastal waters.

The structure was designed in 1820 by architect Winslow Lewis and ranks among the oldest brick lighthouses in the country. It remained operational until 1905, when a new steel tower took over its function.

The lighthouse takes its name from Sapelo Island and serves as a reminder of the area's seafaring past. Visitors can see the structure from the shore and appreciate how crucial such towers were for guiding vessels.

Visitors can view the structure from the shoreline or join guided tours on the island to get closer. The best time to visit is during good weather when the tower is clearly visible and island paths are easily walkable.

The tower is one of the earliest known designs by Winslow Lewis and demonstrates the advanced building techniques of its era. Its bold red and white stripes made it instantly recognizable to sailors and helped them navigate through challenging waters safely.

Location: McIntosh County

Inception: 1820

Architects: Winslow Lewis

Height: 20 m

Made from material: brick

GPS coordinates: 31.39200,-81.28520

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:07