The Birth of Fort Screven
Construction of the fort began on March 18, 1898, and was completed in 1901. Originally established as "Camp Graham," it was later renamed in honor of Brigadier General James Screven, a hero of the Revolutionary War. Although a fort was initially planned in Screven's honor back in 1786, it was not until 1808 that the federal government took jurisdiction over the land, officially designating it as Fort Screven. The actual title of the property was acquired in 1875.
Throughout its operational history, the fort housed 20 guns and played active roles during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. It also served as a base for recovery operations following a devastating fire that destroyed much of Beaufort, SC, in 1907. Until February 27, 1924, it functioned as Savannah's coastal defense headquarters and later transitioned to an artillery post before becoming a deep-sea diving school.
Throughout its operational history, the fort housed 20 guns and played active roles during the Spanish-American War and both World Wars. It also served as a base for recovery operations following a devastating fire that destroyed much of Beaufort, SC, in 1907. Until February 27, 1924, it functioned as Savannah's coastal defense headquarters and later transitioned to an artillery post before becoming a deep-sea diving school.
Cherishing Our Heritage
A postcard postmarked March 7, 1908, illustrates Tybee Anchorage and the Martello Tower, providing a glimpse of how the north beach appeared at that time. The circular tower, designed in the British style, has never seen military action. While several similar towers once dotted the eastern seaboard, only a few remain; two of them in Florida are now open to the public as a museum and botanical garden.
As our surroundings continue to evolve, we will periodically update you on the cherished upgrades and enhancements to our historic building. Thank you for being a part of this enduring legacy.
Our SAL Commander of Squadron 154, John Calvert, is a passionate history buff who loves sharing stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped our world. Explore his articles, including the poignant account of the loss of soldiers during WWI from Fort Screven.
As our surroundings continue to evolve, we will periodically update you on the cherished upgrades and enhancements to our historic building. Thank you for being a part of this enduring legacy.
Our SAL Commander of Squadron 154, John Calvert, is a passionate history buff who loves sharing stories about the people, places, and events that have shaped our world. Explore his articles, including the poignant account of the loss of soldiers during WWI from Fort Screven.
A Perfect Location for Legionnaires
Tybee Island, Georgia, is a charming seaside town rich in American history, a seaport of past battles, and home to Fort Screven. Our venue is a historic structure within the fort; part of it once served as a barber shop, while the hall functioned as a basketball court. Overseeing our lodge is the magnificent Tybee Island Light Station, a fully operational lighthouse that continues to guide sailors safely to our coast today.
Thank you for being part of our legacy.