Forty Mile Point Light facts for kids
| Location | Rogers Township, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°29′12″N 83°54′48″W / 45.48667°N 83.91333°W |
| Year first constructed | 1896 |
| Year first lit | 1897 |
| Automated | 1969 |
| Foundation | Limestone |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Markings / pattern | white w/black lantern |
| Height | 52 feet (16 m) |
| Focal height | 66 feet (20 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| Characteristic | white 3 second flash every 6 seconds. |
The Forty Mile Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in Presque Isle County, Michigan in the USA. It stands on the western shore of Lake Huron, near Hammond Bay in Rogers Township, Michigan. This lighthouse is special because it helps guide ships sailing along the coast, making sure they are always within sight of a light. It got its name because it's about 40 miles (64 km) by boat from the Old Mackinac Point Light.
This lighthouse is part of the U.S. Coast Guard District No. 9, which helps keep the Great Lakes safe for ships.
Contents
History of the Forty Mile Point Light
For many years, there was a gap in the lights along the Lake Huron coastline. Even though other lighthouses like the New Presque Isle Light and Spectacle Reef Lighthouse were active, there was still about 10 miles (16 km) of dark coastline. This made it tricky for sailors to navigate safely.
To fix this, in 1890, officials suggested building a new lighthouse at Forty Mile Point. It would be located right in the middle of the unlit area. It took five years for the money to be approved by Congress.
Building the Lighthouse
The Forty Mile Point Light was built with a design similar to other lighthouses from that time, like the 14 Mile Point and Big Bay Point Lighthouse on Lake Superior.
The lighthouse stands on strong wooden foundations. The main building is made of red brick and measures about 35 by 57 feet (11 m × 17 m). Its walls are very thick, with three layers of brick and an air space in between. The tower is square, about 12 feet (3.7 m) wide, and stands 52 feet (16 m) tall. The building also has two identical apartments, one for the lighthouse keeper and one for their assistant.
The lighthouse was finished in November 1896. However, because ships don't sail on the Great Lakes all year, its light wasn't turned on until April 1, 1897.
Lenses and Automation
The original light used a special Fresnel lens made in Paris. This lens had six "bulls-eye" panels and rotated to create a white flash every ten seconds. Later, in 1919, this lens was moved to the Sand Hills Lighthouse.
The lens you see in the lighthouse today is actually made from parts of at least three different lenses! It's a unique lens that used to flash for 15 seconds on and 15 seconds off. Now, it flashes for 3 seconds on and 3 seconds off. This is the last working classic lens of its kind on Lake Huron.
In 1969, the lighthouse became automated, meaning it no longer needed a keeper to operate it. It still works today, shining a white light from its black lantern.
Visiting the Forty Mile Point Light
The Forty Mile Point Light is now a county park that is open to the public all year. It's located about 6 miles (9.7 km) north of Rogers City, right off US 23.
Shipwrecks and History Markers
Lake Huron can have very strong storms. In 1905, a huge storm known as the "Big Blow" caused 27 wooden ships to sink. One of these ships, the steamer Joseph S. Fay, ran aground near the lighthouse. You can still see parts of its hull on the beach about 200 feet (61 m) north of the lighthouse.
There's a special historical marker at the site called "Graveyard of Ships." It tells visitors about Lake Huron's history and how dangerous it can be for ships. It mentions that over 1,200 shipwrecks have been recorded on the lake.
Things to See and Do
The lighthouse is the starting point for the Huron Sunrise Trail, a 7 miles (11 km) bike path that runs along US 23 to Rogers City.
The lighthouse and its museum and gift shop are managed by the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse Society. The park grounds are open every day from 8:00 AM until sunset. You can take tours of the lighthouse from late May through mid-October, usually Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Many of the original buildings from the lighthouse station are still there, including:
- The lighthouse tower
- The lighthouse keeper's house
- A barn (which is now the gift shop)
- The foghorn signal building
- An oil house
- An old brick outhouse
You can go inside the lighthouse tower to see the working Fresnel lens up close. It's one of only about 70 such lenses still working in the United States, and one of the few left on the Great Lakes.
The lighthouse also hosts many events throughout the year. Half of the lighthouse building is a museum, and the other half is used by caretakers.
Access
- U.S. Route 23
- Huron Sunrise Trail
See also
- Lighthouses in the United States
