Old Mackinac Point Light

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Old Mackinac Point Light

Location: Mackinaw City, Michigan
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)		 45°47′15″N 84°43′46″W / 45.7875, -84.72944
Year first constructed: 1892
Deactivated: 1957
Foundation: Ashlar limestone
Construction: Cream city brick
Height: Tower - 45 feet (14 m)
Original lens: Fourth order Fresnel lens

Mackinaw Point marks the junction of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Founded in 1889, the Old Mackinac Point Light Station was in operation from 1890 until 1957.[1]

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] Preparations

In the early 1800s, with large vessel traffic increasing from Lake Huron into the Straits, the first step in guarding the Straits was taken in 1829, through the construction of Bois Blanc Lighthouse to both guide mariners in making the westerly turn into the Straits, and to warn them of the shoals and shallows surrounding the island.

Three years later in 1832, Congress acted on the Fifth Auditor’s recommendation that a lightship be placed on Waugoshance Shoal as the first attempt to mark the western entrance to the Straits. In 1838, Lieutenant James T. Homans reported that the lightship was wholly inadequate. He recommended a better solution for Waugoshance and also that a light be built on the point to the west of Mackinaw Harbor. Nothing came of Homans recommendations. In 1854, the new Lighthouse Administration decided (against the recommendation of local residents) to put a light at McGulpin's Point, approximately 3 miles to the west of Mackinaw Point.

[edit] Construction

It wasn't until 1889 that the United States Lighthouse Board realized that Mackinaw Point was a better location. Their first inclination was to put a fog signal there, but when asking Congress for funding, the requested funding for both a fog signal and a first class lighthouse. Congress chose to accept their recommendation, but only voted the funding for a fog-signal.

In March 1891, Congress finally authorized the funding for a lightstation and the Board acted quickly. Bidding was difficult, but in 1892, "on a foundation of ashlar limestone, the tower and attached keeper’s dwelling were both constructed of Cream City brick, trimmed with Indiana Limestone. The double-walled cylindrical tower was laid with an outside diameter of 13 feet 4 inches, and as each course was added, rose to a height of 45 feet, surmounted by a circular iron gallery and an 8 foot 8 inch diameter watch room, which was in-turn capped by a prefabricated octagonal iron lantern."[2] The lens is a fourth order Fresnel Lens.

[edit] Deactivation and preservation

The light as seen at night
The light as seen at night

The completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 eliminated the need for the light. Since the Mackinaw Bridge has lights on it at night, the bridge became a much better aid to navigation than the light.

In 1960 the lighthouse property was purchased by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, incorporating it into surrounding Michilimackinac State Park. The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1969. It is listed as Reference #69000068. It is listed as: Mackinac Point Lighthouse.[3]

It is also a registered Michigan Historic Landmark. The Michigan Historical Marker on site states:

Mackinac Point Lighthouse.[4] The lighthouse complex, including the lightkeeper's quarters and tower, was reopened to the public in 2004 by Mackinac State Historic Parks as part of the Fort Michilimackinac complex. The light's original Fresnel lens is on display. An admission fee is charged.

A state historical marker was erected in 1972. It is Registered Site S0377. The marker states:

  • This lighthouse is opposite the turning point for ships making the difficult passage through the Straits of Mackinac, one of the busiest crossroads of the Great Lakes. McGulpin's Point light, two miles to the west, had been established in 1856, but it was not visible from all directions. In 1889 Congress appropriated funds for the construction of a steam-powered fog signal here, which went into operation on November 5, 1890. Construction of the light tower and attached lightkeepers dwelling began, and the light was first displayed on October 25, 1892. Heavy iron and brass castings were used throughout the structure, and the light was visible to ships sixteen miles away. In operation until 1958, the lighthouse is now a maritime museum.[5]

In 2000, serious restoration was undertaken, with the intent of restoring it to its appearance around 1910. The lighthouse is reopened to the public, and the castle-style structure, which design is unique in the Great Lakes was restored. the first floor is fully accessible, and includes period furnishings and accoutrement, plus hands-on exhibits that test one's nighttime navigation skills, light a miniature Fresnel lens, and put on Lighthouse keeper clothing. Historic interpreters lead tours up the tower and into the lantern room.[6]

Admission is through the 1907 Fog Signal Building, which houses the museum store. Pets are welcome. Admission prices are: Adult: $6, Youth: $3.50 (Age 5-17), Free for children 4 & under; and Mackinac Associates.

The lighthouse is located within Michilimackinac State Park, just a few hundred feet east of the Mackinac Bridge and the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitors Center. At this time the light is a museum run by Mackinac Parks Commission.

[edit] See also

[edit] Further reading

[edit] References

  1. ^ Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
  2. ^ Seeing The Light - Old Mackinac Point Light
  3. ^ National Park Service, Inventory of Lighs, Old Mackinac Point Light.
  4. ^ National Park Service, Inventory of Lighs, Old Mackinac Point Light.
  5. ^ Michigan Historical Markers, Old Mackinac Point Light.
  6. ^ Wobser, David, Old Mackinac Point at Boatnerd.com.
  7. ^ Old Mackinac Point Light Press Release.

[edit] External links


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