Grays Reef Light facts for kids
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 Grays Reef Light
Location in Michigan
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| Location | In northeastern Lake Michigan, 3.8 miles (6.1 km) west of Waugoshance Island |
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| Coordinates | 45°46′0″N 85°9′12″W / 45.76667°N 85.15333°W |
| Year first lit | 1936 |
| Automated | 1976 |
| Foundation | Submerged stone and concrete crib |
| Construction | Steel, reinforced concrete |
| Tower shape | Octagonal |
| Markings / pattern | White with black lantern |
| Height | 65 feet (20 m) |
| Original lens | Third and a half order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 7.5-inch (190 mm) |
| Range | 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi). |
| ARLHS number | USA-343 |
The Grays Reef Light is a cool lighthouse located in the northeastern part of Lake Michigan. It sits about 3.8 miles west of Waugoshance Island in Bliss Township, Michigan. This important lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005 because of its history and unique design.
Contents
History of the Grays Reef Light
Why a Lighthouse Was Needed
In the 1880s, many ships were carrying iron ore through the Straits of Mackinac. This area connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. As more ships used this route, people realized they needed better lights to guide them. There were many shallow, rocky areas called "shoals" that were dangerous for ships.
In 1889, the U.S. Congress decided to fund new lights. They planned to build three special ships called "lightvessels." These ships were like floating lighthouses. They would be anchored in dangerous spots like Simmons Reef, White Shoals, and Grays Reef.
From Lightships to a Permanent Lighthouse
The first lightship for Grays Reef, called LV57, started working in 1891. It stayed there for many years, helping ships navigate safely. Over time, other lightships took its place as the older ones wore out.
By the 1930s, building structures underwater had become much easier. So, instead of using lightships, people decided it was time for a permanent lighthouse at Grays Reef. In 1934, Congress approved money for this new, strong lighthouse.
The Greiling Brothers Company started building the lighthouse in the summer of 1934. It was a big project! The lighthouse was finally finished in September 1936.
Modernizing the Lighthouse
In 1937, a radio beacon was added to the Grays Reef Light. This helped ships find their way using radio signals, especially in bad weather. The United States Coast Guard took over running the lighthouse in 1939.
The lighthouse had people living and working there until 1976. That year, a new solar-powered system was installed. This meant the lighthouse could run itself using power from the sun! Now, it uses a modern 12-volt DC acrylic light to shine brightly.
What the Grays Reef Light Looks Like
The Grays Reef Light was built using a similar design to the Minneapolis Shoal Light. It's a strong and unique structure.
The Foundation and Base
The lighthouse stands on a large, square concrete base called a "pier." This pier is about 30 feet tall and 64 feet wide on each side. On top of this pier is a two-story building. This building is about 15 feet tall and 30 feet wide.
The lower floors of this building were designed to hold important equipment. This included diesel generators, boilers, and compressors. These machines provided power and heat for the light, the fog signal (which makes a sound in foggy weather), and the living areas for the lighthouse keepers. The second floor of this base building was where the lighthouse keepers lived.
The Tower and Lantern
The main lighthouse tower sits right in the middle of the building's roof. This tower is about 65 feet tall. It gets narrower as it goes up, from 16 feet wide at the bottom to 10 feet wide near the top. The outside of the entire lighthouse is covered with strong steel plates.
At the very top of the tower is the "lantern room." This is where the light shines from. Inside, there used to be a special red Fresnel lens. A Fresnel lens is a type of lens that uses rings to focus light into a powerful beam, making it visible from far away.
