Beaver Island Head Light facts for kids
 |
|
| Beaver Island Head Light (waterside view) | |
 Beaver Island Head Light
Location in Michigan
|
|
| Location | Beaver Island, Charlevoix County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°34′35″N 85°34′21″W / 45.57639°N 85.57250°W |
| Year first lit | 1858 |
| Deactivated | 1962 |
| Foundation | reinforced concrete |
| Construction | brick |
| Tower shape | cylindrical (attached Victorian lightkeeper house) |
| Markings / pattern | yellow (natural) w/grey lantern and parapet, red roof |
| Height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 103 feet (31 m) |
| Original lens | 14 Lewis lamps and reflectors |
| Current lens | Fourth Order Fresnel lens removed & on display |
| Range | 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| ARLHS number | USA-046 |
The Beaver Head Light is a historic lighthouse located on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan. It sits high on a bluff at the southern tip of the island. For boats traveling north on Lake Michigan, this lighthouse helps them safely navigate between Beaver Island and Gray's Reef.
Contents
Building the Lighthouse
The first lighthouse tower was built in 1852. It was replaced by a new tower in 1858. This new tower is cylindrical and stands 46 feet (14 m) tall. It has a special ten-sided (decagonal) lantern room. From this room, you can see amazing views of the lake. During the summer, the tower is open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Life at the Lighthouse
In 1866, a yellow brick house was built next to the lighthouse. This was where the lighthouse keeper lived. Later, a wooden addition was added to the house. This made more room for assistant keepers.
A fog signal building was constructed in 1915. It measured 22 by 40 feet (6.7 m × 12.2 m). Other buildings on the property included an oil house, a garage, a storage building, and an outhouse.
A New Purpose
In 1962, a radio beacon was installed. At this time, the lighthouse was no longer needed for navigation. It was officially taken out of service. The original Fresnel lens, which helped make the light so bright, was removed. You can still see it on display inside the keeper's house today.
In 1975, the Charlevoix Public Schools bought the lighthouse property for just $1.00. After some damage from vandalism, the school district decided to use the site. In 1978, they started an alternative school there for young people aged 16 to 21.
The school district now runs an Environmental and Vocational Educational Center in the old keeper's dwelling. Students at the center learn about the environment and different job skills. They also help maintain and restore the historic lighthouse buildings. Since 1978, summer programs have greatly helped restore the station.
Protecting History
The Beaver Head Light Station is an important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. This means it is recognized as a place important to the history of the United States. It is also on Michigan's State List of historic places.
In 2003, a grant was received to fix the exterior brickwork of the fog signal building. Two years later, a state grant of $23,000 helped restore the oil house. These efforts help keep the lighthouse standing for future generations.
Images for kids
-
U.S. Coast Guard Archive Photo
- National Park Service, Inventory of Historic Light Stations, Beaver Head Light
