Grand River (Fairport Harbor) Light facts for kids
| Location | 129 2nd St., Fairport Harbor, Ohio |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 41°45′25.07″N 81°16′38.33″W / 41.7569639°N 81.2773139°W |
| Year first lit | 1871 |
| Deactivated | 1925 |
| Foundation | Dressed Stone, Timber/Piling |
| Construction | Sandstone & Brick |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | Natural Berea Sandstone |
| Height | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Original lens | Third Order Fresnel - 1871 |
The Grand River (Fairport Harbor) Light is a historic lighthouse found in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. This tall, 60-foot tower was built in 1871. It also has a separate house where the lighthouse keeper used to live. The lighthouse stopped guiding ships in 1925. A newer light, the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light, took its place.
For a while, the Coast Guard thought about tearing down the lighthouse tower. They wanted to use the keeper's house for their staff. But people living nearby started a letter-writing campaign. Their efforts saved the lighthouse from being demolished. In 1945, the Coast Guard gave the lighthouse to the town.
Contents
Exploring the Fairport Harbor Lighthouse
The lighthouse tower is open for visitors to explore. You can climb to the top for amazing views of the harbor. The keeper's house is now the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse. This was the first museum of its kind in the United States! The Fairport Harbor Historical Society runs the museum.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum opened in 1945. It has many interesting exhibits about the lighthouse's history. You can learn about the people who worked there. There's a special Fresnel lens on display. This type of lens helped make the lighthouse beam very bright. You can also see old lifesaving equipment. The museum shares stories about life on the Great Lakes. There are cool ship models and other items from the sea. Don't forget to check out the gift shop!
The Frontenac Pilothouse
Attached to the museum building is the old pilothouse from a Great Lakes ship. This ship was called the Frontenac. A pilothouse is where the captain steers the ship. It's like a control room for a boat!
Visiting the Museum
The museum is located at 129 Second Street. It is open during certain times of the year. You can check their website for current hours.
A Friendly Ghost Cat?
Some people say the lighthouse and museum are haunted! Legend has it that a ghost cat lives there. Volunteers and visitors have reported feeling a cat rub against their legs. But when they look down, no cat is there! It's a fun mystery for visitors.
Lighthouse Location
The Grand River (Fairport Harbor) Light is easy to find. It is located where Second Street and High Street meet. This is in the village of Fairport Harbor.
See also
