Duluth North Pier Light facts for kids
The Duluth North Pier Light is a cool lighthouse located in Duluth, Minnesota. It stands proudly at the end of the north pier of the Duluth Ship Canal. This lighthouse helps guide ships safely into and out of the busy harbor.
 |
|
| Duluth North Pier Light from the west | |
 Duluth North Pier Light
Location in Minnesota
|
|
| Location | End of north pier of the Duluth Ship Canal, Duluth, Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 46°46′51.4″N 92°5′17.8″W / 46.780944°N 92.088278°W |
| Year first constructed | 1910 |
| Foundation | Concrete breakwater |
| Construction | Steel/cast iron |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical tower |
| Markings / pattern | White with black lantern |
| Height | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Focal height | 43 ft (13 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 11 nautical miles (20 km; 13 mi) |
| Characteristic | Red isophase 4s |
| USCG number | 7-15855 |
Contents
The Story of the North Pier Light
Building the Canal and Adding Lights
Back in 1896, big improvements were made to the Duluth Ship Canal. The sides of the canal were rebuilt with strong concrete piers. These piers still guide ships today!
The south pier already had a light since 1874. But the north pier was dark. This made it tricky for ships to enter, especially in bad weather. A famous ship wreck, the SS Mataafa, happened in 1905, showing how much a light was needed.
A New Light for Safety
Because of these challenges, people started asking for a light on the north pier. In 1908, the Lighthouse Board suggested building one. They even noted that a private light was already being used there.
Money was set aside in 1909, and the lighthouse was built and lit the very next year, in 1910. Its design was simple and strong, like the Peche Island Rear Range Light. It was a short, round tower made of steel plates.
Inside, it had a special Fresnel lens from France. This lens made the light super bright, powered by electricity from the city.
The Lighthouse Keepers
The same brave keepers looked after all the lights along the canal. The main keeper lived in a house built in 1874. His assistants got a brick duplex in 1913, so they didn't have to find places to stay on their own anymore.
A Historic Landmark
In 2016, the North Pier Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site!
It was recognized for its role in engineering, maritime history, and transportation. It shows how the government worked to create navigation aids across the country. It's also a great example of the pier and breakwater lights built around the Great Lakes in the early 1900s.
