Imagine Savannah’s harbor in 1858. Ships navigated treacherous waters. The Old Harbor Light guided them safely.
This light stands in Emmet Park. It is also known as the Savannah Harbor Rear Range Light. Some call it the Beacon Range Light. It looks like a giant street light.
The Old Harbor Light was crucial. It helped ships avoid wrecks. The British had sunk six ships in 1779. This blocked French and American vessels during the Revolutionary War.
The US Lighthouse Board erected the light in 1858. It worked with a front light on Fig Island. Together, they kept ships safe entering Savannah Harbor.
Originally, the Old Harbor Light shone red. Now, a decorative gas light illuminates it.
In 1869, the light was moved slightly south. It was turned off during World War II. Saltwater corrosion damaged it over time.
Locals cherish the Old Harbor Light. The Trustees Garden Club improved Emmet Park in 1958. They stabilized the light with cables.
A major restoration occurred in 2000. The Savannah Morning News and CSX Corporation contributed $125,000. Workers removed rust and repainted it. The Old Harbor Light was relit on January 11, 2001.
The Old Harbor Light stands 25 feet tall. Its focal plane is 77 feet above the river. Some believe it came from England or France.
A journalist mistakenly called it the Old Harbor Light in 1932. River lights are not usually called harbor lights. However, the name stuck.
The Old Harbor Light is more than a light. It is a symbol of Savannah’s history. It reminds us of the city’s vital port and maritime past. Anchors surround its base.
So, as you stand before the Old Harbor Light, remember its story. Remember its role in guiding ships and its preservation by dedicated citizens. It remains a beacon of Savannah’s rich heritage.