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The Cockspur Beacon sits on an islet off the southeastern tip of
Cockspur Island and marks the South Channel of the Savannah River. The site is
about twelve miles east of the port of Savannah. The islet, covered by high
tide, is comprised of oyster shells, and marsh grass.
Documented references suggest the
first brick tower, used as a daymark, was built on Cockspur Island between
March 1837 and November 1839. August 9, 1848, John Norris, a New
York architect, was contracted to supervise construction of an illuminated
station. The noted architect designed many of Savannah's grand
structures.
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Norris's duties were to "repair, alter, and put up
lanterns and lights on Cockspur Island...and to erect a suitable keeper's
house." This first tower had a focal plane 25' above sea level.
The beacon housed a fixed white light emanating from five lamps with 14"
reflectors visible for nine miles.
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