The main tower was severely damaged in a hurricane in 1871 , and developed such serious cracking that a $ 50,000 appropriation was requested for its replacement . Instead a new front tower ( which had already been moved twice ) was constructed of iron . New keepers dwellings were constructed in 1881 and 1885 . The following year the tower was shaken by the 1886 Charleston earthquake , which damaged the lens and caused further cracking of the brickwork ; these were both however immediately repaired . In 1933 the tower was electrified and the station reduced to a single keeper . The beacon was automated in 1972
1886 Charleston earthquake
1886 Charleston earthquake
Tybee Island Light