HomeMy Public PortalAboutOverview of Tybee Island.docOverview of Tybee Island
A crescent-shaped piece of land just over the marshes from Savannah, Tybee Island's rich history began with Indians roaming its beaches, and ranges through years when slaves and visitors
were buried in mass graves at Lazaretto Creek.
Tybee was used as a dueling ground by South Carolinians who sought to avoid their own state's dueling laws. Looting pirates were here, too, and British and Civil War soldiers. American
soldiers from the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II trained on and protected this sandy soil.
Today, remnants of forts, battlements and lighthouses skirt the beaches and marshes, telling part of the Tybee story.
But there is much more to Tybee than wars, pirates and duels.
From 1887 to 1933, Tybee was the greatest seaside resort in Georgia, made available to everyone by the railroad which ran from Savannah to the Island. The railroad brought thousands
of people of every kind to Tybee's shores. It was the "people's beach," as opposed to Jekyll for the wealthy. Greeks, Italians, Jews, Chinese, African Americans, Gullah - all contributed
to the bohemian, quirky character that has, for generations, defined the Island.
Most of the town's residents are pretty proud of its reputation as a place where the Beach Bum Parade is one of its major attractions and where many unique personalities, including plenty
of artists, and even a movie star or two, have chosen to make a home on Tybee.
New York Times writer, Denny Lee, said recently of the island, "…people still leave their doors unlocked, meeting times are rarely honored and flip-flops are standard fashion at weddings
and Sunday mass."
Yet, beyond the revelry perpetuated by numerous festivals, 13 bars and night spots, 50's-inspired themed motels, and Chu's legendary general store, there is real hidden treasure on Tybee:
a host of historical, low-country cottages, appealing back-river residences, and whimsical, Caribbean- inspired vacation spots tucked away on the off-beach streets.
America's oldest and best-preserved Light Station sits proudly in view. The Marine Science Center is full of amazing creatures and eco-experiences, and a small museum tells 400 years
of Tybee history in its numerous exhibits.
But things are changing fast. New people, new buildings, and new money are creating a sea change on Tybee, economically and culturally. The root of the change is real estate. Landmarks
that reflected Tybee's unique culture are being rapidly being replaced with modern condos and beach units. Houses, large and
small, are crunched into too-small lots. In 1986, it was difficult to sell any property on Tybee. Today, an average house costs $389,000, and on the Atlantic, at least $1 million and
a half. The average annual household income has more than doubled: from $30,000 to $69,000 and there is an 8% increase in household incomes over $150,000.
The population is atypical in today's ethnically diverse America. Of Tybee Island's 3,534 individuals, only 138 are Black, Asian and American Indian. The average age is 47.5, which accounts
perhaps for the love of revelry? 1,716 residents are between the ages of 25 and 54. Seniors (55 and over) account for 1,134 residents. 552 are twenty and under.
People on Tybee are better educated than most of America: 88% percent of residents have a high school diploma and 33% have at least a bachelor's degree, a higher percentage than the
national average. 50% of the population is employed; most work in education and health, and the rest in construction, arts, entertainment, recreation and tourism-related businesses.
Then, there's the big summer-time variable: From June through August, 30,000 people swell the population as visitors and warm weather residents swarm the shores and stores.
There are opponents to the sweeping changes happening on Tybee. There are those who love its quirky, kitsch side, its all-out fun side, and those who treasure its historical roots and
lush landscape. And then, there are the change boosters, dreaming of a bountiful portfolio and a thriving economy.
These essential elements -- the shifting demographics, the dramatic changes in the landscape, culture and economy, the wisdom, opinions and attitudes of groups and individuals -- create
both the backdrop and the framework for this Strategic Cultural Plan for Tybee Island.
(Demographic data from 2000 US Census)