United States. Lighthouse Service

The United States Lighthouse Service formed in 1852, replacing the Bureau of Light-Houses. The United States was divided into 12 districts with a naval inspector appointed to each district; originally there were 8 districts, but this number grew to 19. The inspector performed a light inspection every three months. Lighthouse keepers were members of the military. In 1910, civilians began to run the lighthouses. In 1939, the Coast Guard absorbed the Lighthouse Service, reducing the number of districts to 10. Charleston (encompassing the Tybee Lighthouse in Savannah, Georgia) was the 6th district under the Lighthouse Service; it was combined into the 5th district in 1939.

From the description of Lighthouse Inspector letter, 1879. (Georgia Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 166147831