Alpena Light facts for kids
The Alpena Light, also known as the Thunder Bay River Lighthouse or Alpena Breakwater Light, is a special lighthouse on Lake Huron in Alpena, Michigan. It stands on the north breakwater of Alpena Harbor. This light helps guide ships safely into the Thunder Bay River from Thunder Bay. The lighthouse you see today was built in 1914. It replaced older wooden lighthouses that were used in 1877 and 1888. The current Alpena Light is a strong, weather-protected building with a steel frame. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
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 Alpena Light
Location in Michigan
Alpena Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | End of N breakwater at Thunder Bay River mouth, 150 ft. from shore, Alpena, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°3′37.5″N 83°25′22.44″W / 45.060417°N 83.4229000°W |
| Year first constructed | 1914 |
| Year first lit | 1914 |
| Foundation | Breakwater |
| Construction | Cast iron |
| Tower shape | four-legged pyramid skeleton tower |
| Markings / pattern | Red Daymark with upper part enclosed |
| Height | 34 feet (10 m) |
| Focal height | 42 feet (13 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 9.8-inch (250 mm) Tideland Signal acrylic optic |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl R 5 secs |
| Fog signal | HORN: 1 blast ev 15s (2s bl). Operates May 1 to Oct. 20. |
| ARLHS number | USA-007 |
| USCG number | 7-11370. |
Contents
History of the Alpena Light
The story of the Alpena Light is closely tied to the local timber industry. Ships coming in and out of the Thunder Bay River mostly carried logs, cut wood, and rolls of paper. People first asked for a lighthouse here in 1857. These requests came from people working in the local lumber business.
In 1867, the government set aside $10,000 to build a light at Trowbridge Point. But after more requests, the United States Lighthouse Board suggested moving the light to the mouth of the Thunder Bay River. This idea was approved in 1868.
Early Lighthouses (1875 and 1877)
The very first Alpena Light was set up in August 1875. It was a temporary "pole light" about 25 feet tall. It stood about ten miles offshore.
In 1877, a second light was built. It was a brown wooden pyramid-shaped tower. This light had a special lens called a Sixth Order Fresnel lens. In July 1888, this lighthouse burned down. Much of the town also burned in the same fire. After the fire, the lighthouse keeper, E.G. Howard, put up another temporary pole light. He had also saved the keeper's house from the fire. The original fog bell from the 1870s light can be seen at the Huron Lights Museum.
The Current Alpena Light (1914)
The Alpena Light you see today was built in 1914. It is the third lighthouse at this spot. Many people believe it is the only lighthouse of its kind in the United States. It has a unique design.
The lighthouse was first painted black. In 1950, it was painted bright red. This made it easier to see during the day. The current lens was put in around 1996. The original Fresnel lens is now at the Grand Traverse Light.
From 1878 to 1965, five different lighthouse keepers worked at this location. The Alpena Light's fog horn has changed over time. In 1891, it had a fog bell that struck automatically. In 1920, it was updated to an electric alarm. Then, in 1932, it got the modern automated fog horn it has today.
The Alpena Light used to have a brick building nearby to store oil. This building was built in 1896. It was removed after the light was powered by electricity. The lighthouse became automated in 1974. This means it no longer needed a keeper to operate it.
The Alpena Light is 34 feet tall. Some old sources say it is 80 feet tall, but this is not correct.
Visiting the Alpena Light
The best way to see the Alpena Light is from the docks at the City of Alpena’s marina. Locals have given the lighthouse fun nicknames like "Sputnik" and "Little Red." Some people say it's "Long on duty, short on beauty." Another local saying is, "Don't kick the can." The light marks the Alpena harbor, which is a safe place for boats. It is just east of downtown Alpena.
The Light Today
Over the years, this lighthouse has been a source of pride for the town. It has appeared on many postcards. The Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival is held in Alpena every October. In 1999, this light was featured on a special stamp cancellation for the event. Large freighters that travel on the river pass very close to the light.
As of 2010, the Alpena Light is still an active aid to navigation. This means it continues to help guide ships. In June 2011, the General Services Administration offered the Alpena Light to public groups. They could have it for free if they promised to take care of it.
A Replica Lighthouse
A smaller copy, or replica, of this lighthouse was built in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It is located on Lake Havasu in Arizona. The replica was supported by the county and built by members of the Lake Havasu Lighthouse Club. It was officially opened on November 5, 2006. This replica is on the western tip of Havasu Island. It has a red light that flashes sixty times every minute.
Images for kids
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The 1877 light before being destroyed by fire
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The rebuilt 1914 light on its original crib base
