Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Cockspur Island, Savannah River, Savannah

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA,26-SAV.V,4-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The lighthouse is located on an islet off the eastern tip of Cockspur Island, or more precisely. Latitude 32 degrees 01 minutes North Longitude 80 degrees 53 minutes West. Cockspur Island separates the North and South channels of the Savannah River and is the site of Fort Pulaski National Monument, Savannah, Georgia.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA,26-SAV.V,4-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The lighthouse, which was extinguished in is one of only five remaining lighthouses in the state of Georgia having withstood the battle between Union and Confederate forces on April 10 - m 11, It is maintained as an historic aid to navigation and also used in the interpretation of the Civil War battle. PART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION A. Physical History: 1. Date of erection: Following the destruction of an earlier tower, plans were made in for the present lighthouse. The Annual Report of the Lighthouse Board, confirmed that "the south channel (Cockspur Island) beacon-light has been rebuilt and fitted with lens apparatus."1 2.

Engineer/Architect: Possible architects are John Norris, a Savannah architect who oversaw the repair of the preceding lighthouse and the Engineering Office of the Sixth District that was in charge of the construction. This District was headquartered in Charleston, with offices located in Savannah. 3. Original and Subsequent Owners: While in operation *The Annual Report of the Lighthouse Board, files of the United States Coast Guard Historian. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 2) as both a lighthouse and daymark, the current Cockspur Island Lighthouse has been the property of the Lighthouse Board(1852-1910), The Bureau of Lighthouses(1910-1939), and the United States Coast Guard(1939-1958).

The lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service by Presidential Proclamation on August 14, and was formally accepted by the National Park Service in May, 4. Original plans have not been found. B. Historical Context: 1. History of beacons prior to the Lighthouse: An appropriation of was made by Congress on May 16, to construct a beacon on Cockspur Island. The beacon was to be located on Grass Island off the tip of Cockspur.2 At this time the lighthouses of the United States were owned and operated by the Treasury Department, and overseen by the Fifth Auditor of the Treasury.

The first documented reference was made on June 30, 183 4, when Congress secured an appropriation of providing for the construction of two beacons on the island.3 A reappropriation of was made by Congress from the construction of the beacons in March, It was during and that the first brick tower, referred to then as a beacon was built on Cockspur Island. Shortly afterwards it was damaged in a storm. In November of 183 9 Lieutenant Whiting, Engineer of the Sixth Lighthouse District for the Savannah area, wrote a letter concerning the rebuilding of the "light".5 Between April and December, W. B. Bulloch, Superintendent of the Lights in the Savannah area, 2 Ralston B. Lattimore, Histircal Technician, to George R.

Putnam, Commissioner of Lighthouses, 5 February files of Fort Pulaski National Monument. 3 Fort Pulaski National Monument files. 4 Fort Pulaski National Monument files. 5 National Archives group 26, bound in Letter Book Number p. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 3) wrote several letters to the Treasury concerning the construction of a new lighthouse on Cockspur Island.

In his opinion, the beacon located on Cockspur Island was suited for conversion to a lighthouse.6 In July, he transmitted the plans for the conversion of the beacon to Pleasonton, and included John Norris' proposal "to repair, alter and put up Lantern and Lights on the Round Tower or Beacon on Cockspur, according to the plan, elevation, and specifications accompanying this for "7 John Norris, a noted Savannah architect, was contracted to do the repair on the lighthouse and "to erect a suitable Keepers House."8 The lighthouse was officially established in The tower exhibited a fixed white light which emanated from five lamps with 14" reflectors. The focal plane of the lighthouse was located 25' above sea level.

These two factors combined generated a light that was visible for nine miles.10 A Hurricane destroyed the lighthouse five years later. 2. The Present Lighthouse: It is common belief that the tower which now stands was designed by John Norris. As seen from the letters of Bulloch and S. Pleasonton, Mr. Norris was merely contracted to supervise the construction of the tower which preceded the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The plans for the tower and the current lighthouse were provided by the Lighthouse Service and the Lighthouse Board, respectively, through their district offices. The introduction of the Lighthouse Board on October 9, was the reorganization of the previous lighthouse establishment under the Treasury Department. The lighthouse remained under the control of the Board 6 Ibid.

7 Ibid. 8 Mary Lane Morrison collection No. Georgia Historical Society, Savannah, Georgia. National Archives Group 26, Clipping file containing excerpts from The Annual Reports of the Lighthouse Board. I0 National Archives Group 26. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 4) until July 1, It was at this time, under the President's Reorganization Plan No. 11, the Bureau of Lighthouses was transferred to the Coast Guard. In September, H. Roberts, Superintendent of the Lights for the Savannah area, wrote two letters stating that the lighthouse had been destroyed by a hurricane.11 By August of nothing had been done to begin construction on the new tower.

On August Engineer Gilmer, of the Sixth Lighthouse District Savannah, reported the destruction of lighthouse and asked for instructions related to its rebuilding. On October he transmitted the estimate for the reconstruction and requested funds to begin work. On December he wrote requesting that the iron work (presumably the lantern, lantern level floor, vents, lantern door and door frame) be furnished from Baltimore.12 At a cost of a new 13and enlarged lighthouse was built on Cockspur Island. 3. History of Operation: The light was temporarily extinguished in as a result of the Civil War." On April 10, Union forces, positioned in eleven batteries on Tybee Island, commenced an attack on Fort Pulaski with the lighthouse standing between.

The batteries, housing thirty-six guns, stretched from Goat Point to Tybee Lighthouse. The battle continued through 13 April though, the lighthouse remained unharmed. On January 12, Inspector Powell, of the Third Lighthouse District in New York, wrote acknowledging that he had received instructions to forward a Sixth "National Archives Group 26, Letter Book Nuber 38, pp. 12 National Archives Group 26, Letter Book Number 29, pp. t3 The Annua 1 Report of the Lighthouse Board, from the files of the United States Coast Guard Historian. i4 Mikell, "Old Structures to be Restored Lonely Lighthouse has Survival Instinct." ls Some Pages from the Story of Tybee Island Georgia (11 November . This booklet was found in the Tybee Island Vetical file, Georgia Historical Society, Savannah.

COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 5) Order Lens for Cockspur Island 16 Lighthouse in preparation for its relighting. After minor repairs and replacement ofl7equipment the lighthouse was relit on April 25, A publication also noted that the tower was to be painted white for use as a daymark, this is the first indication of the tower's color.18 Natural disasters caused much damage to the lighthouse through the years. On August 27, a hurricane struck Tybee Island resulting in a tidal wave that submerged the island.

During the storm the water rose 5' over the parade ground at Fort Pulaski.19 The recorded level of the parade ground is 18' above mean sea level.20 The water level at the lighthouse would have been approximately 23' above sea level at the time of the storm, enveloping the lighthouse and resulting in the destruction of the Keeper's dwelling.

A report from Engineer Bergland of the Sixth Lighthouse District on September 2, and again October 12, stated that the lighthouse had been damaged by a cyclone and that restoration was necessary on the wharf, boatlanding, doors, and windows of the lighthouse,21 In the Inspector and the Engineer of the Sixth District wrote the Lighthouse Board recommending that the light be discontinued effective June 1 of that year and that the structure remain as a daymark.22 The discontinuance was approved. On August 17, the Lighthouse Board noted that the official name of the station would be, from June the Oyster Beds Range Light-Station, 23Georgia, and Jones Island Range Lights, South Carolina. 16National Archives Group 26, Letter Book Number p. "Mikell, p. l8 National Archives Group 26.

19 Margaret Wayt DeBolt, Savannah: A Historical Portrait, (Virginia Beach: The Donning Company/Publishers, Inc.), 20 Fort Pulaski National Monument files. 21 National Archives Group 26, Letter Book Number p. 60, 90; Letter Book Number p. 54. 22 Ibid. 23 Ibid. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 6) 4. Becoming a National Park Service structure: The National Park Service's interest originated on February 5f when Ralston B. Lattimore, the Historical Technician for the Office of National Parks, Buildings, and Reservations in Savannah., wrote to the Commissioner of Lighthouses concerning Cockspur Island. In he wrote to the Director of the National Park Service concerning the acquisition of the lighthouse.

He recommended that it be acquired "because of its picturesque value and to protect the monument from the possibility of a fishing camp being established there."24 The National Park Service inquired on the possibility of including concerned lands into the Fort Pulaski National Monument. On October 19, King, Commissioner of Lighthouses, wrote to the Director of the National Park Service acknowledging the intentions of the Park Service to extend the boundaries of the monument to include the islet on which the lighthouse stands.

He stated that the titles to Cockspur and Oyster Beds Islands had been ceded to the United States by the state of Georgia on December 22, He indicated that the Bureau of Lighthouses would offer no objection to the transfer of the islands, subject to the maintenance of the towers "as valuable landmarks25 and guides to mariners entering the Savannah River." There was a ten year gap in correspondence, likely due to World War II, that resumed in September with a letter concerning the lighthouse from Martha E. Baxley of Savannah to Mr. Lattimore. She wrote: . . . Several years ago I saw by the papers that this small island and the lighthouse were for sale but did not investigate at the time and now no one seems to know who owns it. . .

the consensus of opinion is that it now belongs to the Department of the Interior. I would like to purchase this island for my personal use for a weekend spot, if the price is not prohibitive, and would not use it commercially M Ibid. ^Fort Pulaski National Monument files. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 7) in any way.26 Mr. Lattimore responded that the lighthouse and islet were a part of Fort Pulaski National Monument and were a historic landmark that was associated with the siege and bombardment of the fort. He stated that it was not for sale, nor could they issue permits for private accommodations within the national monument.27 Appalled at the notion of someone wanting to buy the island, Lattimore immediately wrote the Regional Director concerning Baxley's letter.

He mentioned that the question of ownership of the light had been raised and that it should be given their immediate attention. Lattimore was under the impression that it had already been transferred to the National Park Service but could not find any records confirming it. He stressed that private ownership and use of the light and islet would completely ruin the historic aspect of the monument and requested that steps be taken immediately to transfer it to the Service. He maintained that the islet, which had always been considered part of the island, was already within the boundaries of the monument, and that 28 legislation would not be required for its transfer.

Ben Thompson, Chief of the Division of Cooperative Activities, wrote the Regional Director on November 3, stating that the Coast Guard had notified his office on October 2 0th that they were declaring the lighthouse as excess to the GSA and indicating the Park's interest in it. Mr. Thompson stressed the importance of the Washington offices participation in this matter, and stated, "Sale of this item to private parties for exploitation or for salvage operations would be most embarrassing to the monument."29 Mr. Lattimore included a statement of justification: Cockspur Light, . .

., constructed in the 18 3 0's of brick and stone and enlarged in was an established landmark on Cockspur Point between the fort and the Federal batteries at the time of the battle in It is therefore contemporary with ^Fort Pulaski National Monument files. "ibid. 2 *lbid. 29 lbid. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO, GA-2265 (Page 8) the fort 30 and is an interesting architectural survival. On January 17, Commander J.A. Hyslop, Chief of the Coast Guard Supply Division, wrote Conrad L. Wirth, Director of the National Park Service, to inform him that the Coast Guard was in the process of disposing of Cockspur Island Lighthouse Reservation.

It was stated that the estimated value of the property was He requested that the Service notify his office within thirty days if the Department of the Interior wished to acquire the property. * Wesley A. D'Ewart, Secretary of the Interior, responded with the request that the property be held for transfer to the Department of the Interior, "to prevent its being utilized by other interests to the detriment of the National Monument."32 The lighthouse was transferred to the National Park Service by Presidential Proclamation on August 14, and was formally accepted by the National Park Service in May PART III. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION A. General statement: 1.

Architectural character: The conical brick tower is comprised of three levels, the first of which is approximately 8' above grade in consideration of the high tides which cover the islet. The base of the tower was designed as a "bow", facing the mouth of the river, to calm incoming waves. The tower is representative of the design and construction techniques utilized by the Lighthouse Service during the period with the exception of the bow. The bow is similar to a later design feature utilized in wave swept (off-shore) towers. 2.

Condition of fabric: The exterior surface of the tower is in good condition, having been repainted in The cast and wrought iron components, which include the lantern, lantern level floor, lantern level door and door frame, and vents, are exfoliating which results in the increase in 30 Ibid. 3i Ibid. 32 Ibid. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 9) volume of the fabric. This condition is the result of exposure to the elements due to the lack of periodic maintenance and is enhanced by the seacoast environment. The interior wall surface is in need of extensive repainting. B. Description of Exterior: 1. Overall dimensions: The tower is comprised of three levels, the first of which is approximately 8' above grade in consideration of the high tides.

The height from grade to the top of the lantern's ventilator is approximately The diameter at the first level is approximately 13' and at the lantern 10' 8". 2. Foundation: The foundation, located below grade, is probably a crib work of timbers. This type of foundation was typically used in the construction of coastal lights. Investigative demolition was not done to determine its actual composition or extent. The portion of the foundation above grade, below the first level, was possibly constructed of solid brick. Investigative demolition was not done to determine the construction technique utilized. 3. Walls: The walls are constructed of the brick known as the Savannah Gray.

They were made predominantly during the mid-nineteenth century from the sediment of the Savannah River and can not be duplicated. The bricks are laid primarily in alternating courses of stretchers and headers. The upper courses, above the second level window, alternate stretchers and headers within a course due to the reduction in diameter. 4. Structural system, framing: The tower is of load- bearing brick construction. The first level floor is comprised of bricks which are possibly laid over a solid structure. The second level floor is comprised of four wood joists which are set into the wall. The third, or lantern level, floor is comprised of a single piece of cast iron set into the wall. 5.

Stoop and Gallery: An external spiral brick stair ascends to the brick stoop located at the first level. The gallery, located at the third or lantern level, surrounds the lantern and is comprised of bricks laid in a radiating pattern. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 10) The diameter of the gallery is the result of the corbelling of the brick from the exterior surface of the tower. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: The tower has two exterior doors. The entrance door is located at the first level. It has a fan shaped transom trimmed with a raised brick arch, probably integral with the lintel. The door is constructed of two layers of boards, vertical on the exterior and diagonal on the interior. Pieces of cedar, possibly original to the structure, are found in the door frame.

The second is the lantern door. The frame and door are of cast iron. The primary function of this door was to provide for ventilation, incorporated within the design is a louvered vent used to draw air in for the proper burning of the lamps. b. Windows: The original configuration of the windows is unknown. The windows previously used were replaced by the National Park Service due to their advanced state of deterioration caused by exposure to extreme weather conditions. The present configuration is a fixed nine-light window with a three-light transom or fanlight. Three windows of this size were used in the design of the tower, two on the first level (North and South elevations) and one on the second level (West elevation).

There are two portholes on the second level in the North and South elevations. The lantern is comprised of ten trapezoid windows. The original glass was probably lost to nature and vandalism. Lexan, which resists the bullets of vandals, was used as a replacement. 8. Roof: a. Shape, covering: The roof is the lantern structure. It is comprised of the window frames which are the structural members, the sill, the eave/gutter, the roof surface, and the ventilator- All are made of cast and wrought iron. C. Description of Interior: 1. Floor plans: COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 11) a. First floor: The first floor is circular in plan with a raised landing at the entry. The landing provides access to the circular stair which ascends to the second level.

The column which provides support for the spiral stair is located opposite the entry. The top risers and treads of the stair are integral with the column. b. Second floor: The second floor is a circular plan the structure of which is comprised of four wood joists, set into the wall, with a decking of tongue and groove planks. A new wood ladder, constructed in of 4" x and 2" x provides access to the third level. c. Third floor: The third floor is a circular plan comprised of one piece of cast iron set into the wall. An hatch opening, within the floor, provides access to the third level. The hatch is missing. A solid brick wall rises from the floor level to the base of the lantern.

Three vents, within the wall, provided ventilation for the proper burning of the lamps and were covered by adjustable louvered brass plates which are missing. A cast iron door provides access to the gallery and originally provided for ventilation. The gallery surface is comprised of brick laid in a radiating pattern. The standards and rail surrounding the gallery are of mild steel, replicating the original which was replaced during a stabilization project. 2. Stairways: A spiral brick stair ascends from the first level to the second level. A wood ladder ascends from the second level to the third. 3.

Floorings: As previously mentioned, the first level is comprised of brick laid over a solid structure, the second level decking is comprised of tongue and groove planking, and the third level is a solid piece of cast iron with an hatch opening. 4. Wall and ceiling finish: The walls were once covered with parging which has deteriorated due to exposure to the elements. The ceiling of the first level is the exposed decking of the second, the ceiling of the second level is the exposed iron of the lantern level floor, and the ceiling of the third level is the exposed iron of the lantern roof. 5. Openings: COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 12) a. Doorways and doors: The hatch within the third floor is missing. 6.

Hardware: The hinges for the entrance door were fabricated when the door was installed during a recent stabilization project. 7. Mechanical equipment: a. Lamp and Lens: Their location is unknown. It has not been determined if the Lighthouse Board removed them for use in another structure or if they were destroyed. D. Site: 1. Historic landscape design: The lighthouse stands on its own islet just off the eastern tip of Cockspur Island, southeast of Fort Pulaski. The islet is covered at high tide. It is a natural accretion comprised of oyster and mussel beds, loose oyster shells, and marsh grasses. 2.

Outbuildings: The Keeper's dwelling was built in adjacent to the previous lighthouse, under the supervision of John Norris, a well known Savannah architect, from plans provided by the Lighthouse Service. It was destroyed during the hurricane of No physical description is available, however it was noted that it had been built too low to grade and during severe storms the first floor flooded. PART III.

Bibliography

Primary Information: The Files of Fort Pulaski National Monument National Archives Group 26 Site File, Georgia No. 18 Site File, Georgia Miscellaneous Lighthouse Establishment Correspondence, File Number Series Clipping File Register of Keepers and Assistant Keepers COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 13) Drawing of Beacons on the Savannah River Superintendent's Correspondence, Savannah, Georgia Lighthouse Accounts, Volume 16 Miscellaneous Series of Records Index Cards - These relate to correspondence received by the Lighthouse Board, The correspondence was heavily damaged by a fire at the National Archives.

United States Coast Guard Historian Cockspur Island Lighthouse File Georgia Historical Society Mary Lane Morrison Collection Number Tybee - Islands and Lights Vertical File Cockspur Island Vertical File The U.S. Coast Survey - Washington, The Treasury Department, Tybee Island Library Tybee Island Scrapbook Orlando, Vanessa "Officials Ask: Is Little Tybee Lighthouse Sinking?" Savannah Morning News (3 February Whitfield, Archie "Island Lighthouse May Be Repaired" Savannah Morning News (16 June Originally found in the Gamble Collection, Tybee Lighthouse Vertical File, Bull Street Library, Savannah, Georgia. Godley, Margaret Historic Tvbee Island.

Savannah Beach, Georgia: Savannah Beach Chamber of Commerce, Gillon, Alan "The Season Brings Tybee More History" (5 April Wyat DeBolt, Margaret Savannah: A Historical Portrait. Virginia Beach: The Donning COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 14) Company/Publishers, Inc., Secondary Information: Kagerer, Rudy A Guidebook to Lighthouses in South Carolina. Georgia, and Florida's East Coast. Athens, Georgia: Lighthouse Enterprises, Inc., United States Coast Guard Historical Chronology Program, Chronology of Aids to Navigation and The Old Lighthouse Service - Washington, The Department of Transportation, Gillmore, Brig. Gen. Quincy A. The Siege and Reduction of Fort Pulaski. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Thomas Publications, Tertiary Information: Holland, Francis Ross, Jr.

America's Lighthouses An Illustrated History. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., Roberts, Bruce, and Ray Jones Southern Lighthouses Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Chester, Connecticut: Globe Peguot Press, References: National Park Service Fort Pulaski National Monument John Breen, Superintendent Kent Cave, Chief Ranger Talley Kirkland, Ranger Southeast Region Historic Architecture Division - Richard Ramsden Historic Architecture Division - Stacey Hester Museum Services - Steve Harrison Cultural Resources Divisions Bureau Historian - Barry Mackintosh Maritime Historian - Kevin Foster Maritime Division - Candace Clifford, Contract Consultant Denver Service Center Eddie Ramey Apostle Islands National Lakeshore COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO.

GA-2265 (Page 15) Historian - David Snyder F. Ross Holland, Historian - Retired National Archives Civil Reference Branch Angie Van Bereedt Cartographic and Architectural Branch Ray Cotton Suitland Reference Branch Jim Cassidy United States Coast Guard Office of the Historian Historian - Scott Price Florida Department of State Bureau of Archeological Research Herbert Bump James Levy Coastal Georgia Historical Society Linda King Steven Mount Tybee Island Lighthouse Rebecca Novey Lighthouse Enthusiast Gene James, Gaithersburg, Maryland Likely Sources Not Yet Investigated: Savannah News Press Archives Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah, Georgia General Services Administration National Park Service Archives and Land Records Supplemental Information: COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO.

GA-2265 (Page 16) Located in the appendix: A glossary of lighthouse related terms and the Inventory Condition Assessment Report which was submitted, as part of the Historic Structures Report, to the Southeast Region of the National Park Service in preparation for the restoration of the Lighthouse. PART IV. PROJECT INFORMATION The project was completed by Judith E. Collins, former HABS Architect, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts from The Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, Georgia. Assisting in the field documentation Ms. Catherine Ashton. Ms. Ashton is a candidate for the degrees of Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts in Historic Preservation at The Savannah College of Art and Design.

The project was completed for Fort Pulaski National Monument as an Historic Structures Report for the restoration of the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. The project was completed under the guidance of: Professor Marlborough Packard and Professor Warren Murphy, Savannah College of Art and Design; Superintendent John Breen, Chief Ranger Kent Cave, Ranger Talley Kirkland, Sherry Webster, and Maintenance Foreman Michael Hosti of Fort Pulaski National Monument; Ali Miri, Historical Architect, of the Office of Historic Architecture, Southeast Region; and Frederick J. Lindstrom, Architect of the Historic American Buildings Survey. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO.

GA-2265 (Page 17) APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY Aid to Navigation - a visual marker which indicates a hazard to navigation, encompassing beacons, lighthouses, lighttowers, lightships, daymarks, and modern buoys. Assistant Keeper - a man or woman assigned to assist with the maintenance of the light station. Most stations required the service of only one assistant, larger stations were assigned as many as three. Beacon - used in the early history of the lighthouse service as the designation for an unlit structure which was used as an aid to navigation. Occasionally used interchangeably with the term lighthouse. Daymark - currently used as the designation for an unlit, land based, aid to navigation.

Fresnel Lens - invented by Augustin Fresnel, a French physicist, in It is "comprised of a central spherical lens surrounded by rings of glass prisms, the central portions of which refract and the outer portions both reflect and refract in the desired direction the light from a single lamp placed at the central focus."33 The glass prisms are held in place by brass fittings. Large rotating lenses usually floated on a bed of mercury to provide for smooth and even motion. The smaller rotating lenses moved on brass rollers. Keeper - a man or woman hired to maintain the light and the light station, and to rescue those in peril. It was a 24 hour job reguiring the help of assistant keepers and family members.

Lantern - the cast and wrought iron, and glass structure which sat atop the lighthouse or lighttower and housed the lighting apparatus. Light Station - a complex of structures which included the lighthouse or lighttower, the Keeper's dwelling, and various storage buildings. Lighthouse - a structure which housed the lighting apparatus as an aid to navigation, and which provided accommodations for the Keepers. Occasionally used, interchangeably, when describing a structure which did not provide accommodations. 33 Truman R Strobridge, U.S. Coast Guard Historian, Chronology Of Aids To Navigation and the Old Lighthouse Service (Washington, DC: Public Affairs Division United States Coast Guard), COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO.

GA-2265 (Page 18) Lighttower - a structure which housed the lighting apparatus as an aid to navigation. Sixth Order Lens - a Fresnel Lens of the smallest size. COCKSPUR ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE HABS NO. GA-2265 (Page 19} APPENDIX B: Brief History of the Light Keepers and their Assistants: The following is list of the Keepers and Assistant Keepers who kept the light burning at the Cockspur Island Lighthouse from until it was extinguished in Keepers Date of Appointment 1. John H. Lightburn February 6, 2. Cornelius Maher July 3, 3, Mary Maher May 20, 4. Thomas Quinlivin July 28, 5. Patrick Eagen October 24, 6, Thomas F. Flood January 16, 7. Patrick Eagan February 9, 8. Charles W. Poland June 11, 9. George W. Martus September 29, 10. Jeremiah Keane June 25, 11. Edward S. Floyd July 28, 12.

Gustaf Ohman September 12, Assistant Keepers Date of Appointment 1. James Gullen March 30, 2. Joseph Smith November 23, 3. John Eagan April 25, 4. Thomas Egan June 28, 5. Robert Egan September 2, 6. John Eagan June 2, 7. William Jackson March 23, 8. George W. Martin September 6, 9. James Feely September 29, 10. Joseph Knight July 28, 11. Lucien H. Raines April 20, 12. Gustav Durrell October 22, 13. Harrick Lehman September 27, 14. Hans Thorkilden June 13, 15. John Lindquist August 4, 16. Joseph Estell April 19, 17. Charles sisson July 28, 18. Burwell M. Floyd February 28, 19. Fred T. Sisson July 19, 20. Gustaf Ohman February 28, 21. Anander Soverson September 12, 22. Carl Anderson September 1, 23.

Edward Magwood August 10, u ^National Archives Group 26, The Register of Keepers and Assistant Keepers.