Lighthouses–Great Lakes

Toledo Lighthouse is located in Lake Erie, eight miles NE of Toledo Harbor. It was finished in 1903 and had an electrified, rotating light installed in 1966. While people were no longer needed to man the facility, a uniformed mannequin was placed in a window to preclude vandalism. In 2003 there was a centennial celebration … Continue reading »

Also in Lake Erie (although in Pennsylvania), Presque Isle Lighthouse opened in 1873. The keeper and family had to walk 1.5 miles from the Lighthouse to a boathouse at the appropriately named Misery Bay. From there it was a lengthy row followed by more walking to the town and school. The Lighthouse was opened to … Continue reading »

Another Lighthouse located on Lake Erie, near the town of Westfield, NY, is the Barcelona Lighthouse, which was built in 1828. It was the first to use natural gas as the source of illumination and did so until 1851.  The Lighthouse was removed from service in 1859, but remained a tourist attraction. It was in … Continue reading »

Located in Lake Ontario in New York, Braddock Point Lighthouse looks a lot like Presque Isle except the tower is twice as tall. It was finished in 1896. In 1926 a newspaper article estimated the keeper’s twice daily trips up and down the tower totaled about 700 miles during his 20-year tenure. In 1952 the … Continue reading »

Split Rock Lighthouse is located in Minnesota on the west edge of Lake Superior. It was built in 1910 with all materials having to be brought in by boat. It was de-commissioned in 1969 and the site was  donated to the Minnesota Historical Society, which restored it to its 1920 appearance. Split Rock Lighthouse is … Continue reading »

Built in 1869, Cana Island Lighthouse is located on a nine-acre site on Lake Michigan in Door County WI. It was frequently battered by severe storms, so much so that, after 16 years, one keeper left saying it was “one of the most inhospitable and undesirable places that can well be imagined.” In 1902 the … Continue reading »

“Old Mac” was built in 1892 in Mackinaw City, MI. where Lakes Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 rendered the Lighthouse obsolete since the Bridge had lights. It is now a popular tourist attraction. The first photo shows it nearing completion.

Although Poe Reef Lighthouse is located about 20 miles from Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, it is much more remote. It lies completely in Lake Huron about two miles off shore. It was built in 1929 and frequently had waves hit its base sending water up as high as the 4th floor. It was decommissioned in … Continue reading »