Archaeological Investigations at the Sapelo Lighthouse, Sapelo Island, Georgia

On 19 March 1997 Lewis Larson and Dave Davis conducted archaeological investigations and the monitoring of trenching activities at the basal periphery of the Sapelo Island,

Lighthouse to determine the presence of archaeological resources and to determine the nature of the architectural foundation structure (Sec Attached Map #1 ). Also present were Mr. David Freedman, Chief of Maintenance and Construction Section, Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites Division, Mr. Ronnie Rogers, Archaeologist, and Ms. Tracy Rutherford, Architect, Historic Sites Division. The investigations involved the mechanical excavation of three separate trenches placed on the southern, southwestern and northern sides of the lighthouse extending outward five feet in a perpendicular fashion from the base of the lighthouse structure. A visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the lighthouse structure was also undertaken to assess the preservation state of the building as well as recording soil stratigraphy in the area. The creation of photographic documentation of both the assessment activities and the present condition of the lighthouse structure was also employed.

Constructed in 1820 the lighthouse, along with a lightkeeper's residence, outhouse and well, was commissioned by the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment and built on Sapelo Island, Georgia by Mr. Winslow Lewis of Boston, Massachusetts. An oil house was constructed adjacent to the lighthouse in 1890. Plans by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to stabilize and restore the lighthouse are underway in an effort to preserve this structure which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Exterior archaeological investigations took place around the 19 inch wide brick skirt placed at the base and encircling the lighthouse structure. The investigations involved the monitoring of three trenches placed on the southern, southwestern and northern sides of the lighthouse extending outward five feet in a perpendicular fashion from the base of the lighthouse. The interior of the lighthouse floor was also inspected.