The region of the state in which Tybee Island is located is steeped in history. Colonial settlers were in and around Savannah from the early 1700s. However, Tybee Island itself represents an environment in which weather has limited development and preservation over the years.

The name Tybee is thought to be derived from an Indian word meaning salt meadow. Centuries ago, Tybee Island was part of the Gaulle kingdom of Indians who lived on the seven large barrier islands stretching from Cumberland island to Tybee. Tybee was later a camping ground for local Yamacraw Indian families from the Savannah area who oystered, fished, and collected salt on the island.