Located just 18 miles from Savannah, Georgia, Tybee Island is a lush and relaxing vacation spot that has something to offer to tourists of all ages. Tybee is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, offering countless attractions to vacationers, such as 3 miles of coastal beaches, rich history and culture, delectable southern cuisine and a unique shopping experience. If you still are not intrigued, here are 10 interesting facts that you probably did not know about Tybee Island.

Fact 1: On February 5, 1958, during a routine military air force exercise, two U.S. bombers collided near the island. One of the planes was carrying a Mark 15 hydrogen bomb which remains lost to this day. However, military officials have stated that the bomb does not contain a nuclear capsule and is therefore not a threat.

Fact 2: During the American Civil War, the Union Army used Tybee Island as a base of operations in attacks on confederate Georgia.

Fact 3: Tybee Island is named for the Euchee Indian’s word for ‘œsalt’.

Fact 4: Every year between early summer and mid fall, an endangered species of sea turtles returns to the shores of the island to nest and lay eggs.

Fact 5: Since the island was first claimed by the Spanish in 1520, it has been controlled by 6 different countries.

Fact 6: Tybee Island has been the setting for movies such as The Gingerbread Man (1998), The Conspirator (2010), and The Last Song (2010).

Fact 7: During the Industrial Revolution, it was believed that the refreshing, saltwater air on the island was a cure for asthma and sickness from pollution. For this reason, the island was used as a health clinic, and saw many ‘œpatients’ during the late 1800’s.

Fact 8: Located on the island, the Tybee Island Light Station is one of the oldest U.S. lighthouses still in existence. It is also one of the most well known landmarks of the island.

Fact 9: During th American Revolution, the French occupied Tybee Island, and used it as a base of operations to aid the Colonies against British Forces.

Fact 10: On August 22, 2013, an 8 year fugitive was finally captured on Tybee Island. Mark Griffin, 37, resisted arrest in 2006, for a sentence to distribute, possession, and manufacture an excess of 50 grams of crack cocaine.