Tybee Island, located in the coastal region of Georgia, has played a significant role in U.S. history since its founding. It was first laid claim to by the Spanish in 1520, and then in the early 1600's, the hope of finding Sassafras roots, a miracle cure in Europe at that time, drew many people to the island. Spain eventually had to give up claim of the island to England, and in 1733, General James Oglethorpe, with some others, settled in the area and named it Savannah because of the marshlands and tall grass. Tybee became very important to the future of the colony because of its location at the mouth of the Savannah River. In 1763, A lighthouse was constructed on Tybee to mark the entrance to the river along with a small fort. During the start of the Civil War, Tybee was occupied by Confederate forces, however, Union forces eventually took it over. After the Civil War, Tybee started to grow as a resort area for local Savannah residents.  In 1855, Fort Screven was built on the North end of Tybee Island.  It played an integral role in America's Coastal Defense system in the Spanish American War, World War I, and World War II.  In 1947, the fort was sold to the town of Tybee and today it is a museum showcasing over four hundred years of Tybee history.