Whitefish Point Light

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Whitefish Point Light

Vintage image of Whitefish Point Light station
Location: Whitefish Bay
Coordinates
WGS-84 (GPS)		 46°46′14″N, 84°57′24″W
Year first lit: 1861
Automated: 1971
Deactivated: N/A
Foundation: Pier
Construction: Steel
Tower shape: Latice Tower
Height: Tower - 76 feet (23 m)[1]
Elevation: Focal plane - 80 feet (24 m)
Original lens: 3rd order Fresnel Lens
Current lens: DCB-224 Series Aerobeacon
Range: 26 miles (42 km)
Characteristic: (20 second cycle) .2" flash; 4.8" eclipse; .2" flash; 14.8" eclipse

The Whitefish Point Light is a lighthouse in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

First lit in 1849, it was one of the first lighthouses on the shores of Lake Superior and is also the oldest active light on the lake. The original structure was outfitted with Lewis lamps, which were thereafter upgraded to a Fourth Order Fresnel lens.

The current structure, while modern looking, is a Civil War relic. Built in 1861, the iron skeletal steel framework was designed to relieve stress caused by high winds. A similar design is used at Manitou Island light in Lake Superior. It was equipped with a Third Order Fresnel lens.[2]

In 1968, the light was replaced with a DCB-224 aero beacon[3] manufactured by the Carlisle & Finch Company.[4] According to Volume 7 of the U.S. Coast Guard light list, it is visible for a distance of 26 nautical miles in clear weather conditions, and has two unevenly spaced eclipses, and two flashes within every 20 second period.[5]

The station was automated in 1971.

The lighthouse is home to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, which has SS Edmund Fitzgerald artifacts, including the ship's bell which was recovered from the wreck in 1995. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum is open for during the tourist season from 10 am to 6 pm, every day through October 31. Although it receives some matching grants from public funds, it is largely funded by donations.[6]

An official Michigan Historical Marker was erected in 1974. It is Registered Site L0272. The marker notes:

  • This light, the oldest on Lake Superior, began operating in 1849, though the present tower was constructed later. Early a stopping place for Indians, Voyageurs [also known as Coureur des bois], and Jesuit missionaries, the point marks the course change for ore boats and other ships navigating this treacherous coastline to and from St. Mary's Canal. Since 1971 the light, fog signal, and radio beacon have been automated and controlled from Sault Ste. Marie.[7]

In passing, it must be noted that Whitefish Point is an important route for migrating birds, and an excellent stop for birders at the Whitefish Point bird observatory. Large, varied and unusual populations have been observed and counted. Observation facilities are on site.[8]

Contents

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ National Park Service Maritime Heritage, Inventory of Historic Lights, Whitefish Point Light.Volume 7, US Coast Guard Lightlist (PDF).
  2. ^ Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light - Whitefish Point Lighthouse.
  3. ^ Aero beacon, Terry Pepper, Seeing the Light.
  4. ^ Carlisle & Finch Company.
  5. ^ Volume 7, US Coast Guard Lightlist (PDF).
  6. ^ Virtual tour of Whitefish Point Light.
  7. ^ Michigan Historical Markers.
  8. ^ Exploring the North, Birds at Whitefish Point.

[edit] See also

[edit] Further reading

[edit] External links


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