The Beacon Range Light, used for river traffic, was erected in 1858 by the United States Light House Board, and stands on the east end of Bay Street in Emmet Park, near the foot of East Broad. Its original function was to assist vessels navigating the Savannah River.
The light is an ornamented cast iron shaft, originally painted a dark bronze green and about twenty-five to thirty feet high, giving a red light.
The Beacon Range Light was one of several improvements to the river, designed to increase commerce for the port of Savannah in the 1850's. It was to range with the Fig Island beacon light, and was used after nightfall to help ships get past "The Wrecks", as they were called - six vessels sunk in 1779 during the American Revolution as a defense measure.
It was moved a few feet south in 1869 after the channel was improved. In 1929, the city reconditioned it, as it had become a monument to the citizens, although it had not been used for many years. A caption in the newspaper identified it as the "harbor light " as well as the beacon light. In 1932, it was called the Old Harbor Light by a Chicago journalist, and the name persisted, even though it was a river beacon light. The light was turned off during World War II.
| |
| |
 Kid Friendly  Lunchtime Cache  Dogs Allowed
 Less than 500 ft. from car to cache
 Scenic View  Beware of Muggles!  Bring a pen or pencil  Historic Site
|
| |
|
|
| |
