Today's St. Simons lighthouse was the 2nd light to be constructed at it's location, and was completed in 1872. The original tower was built of brick and tabby in 1807 as part of Fort St. Simons, a coastal defense fort to prevent the Spanish from moving north out of Florida. The original tower and keeper's quarters were later destroyed in 1862 by the departing Confederate Army during the Civil War.
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The tower today is 100 foot tall, with a base diameter of 25 feet. The tower features molded cast iron windows with acanthus leaf details, while the service gallery features iron ornamentation. The Georgian style keeper's quarters was built of handmade Savannah brick, and features some Victorian detailing. The 3rd order Fresnel lens was added in 1872, and electrified in 1934.
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