Holland Harbor Light facts for kids
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| Holland Harbor Light | |
 Holland Harbor Light a/k/a "Big Red"
Location in Michigan
Holland Harbor Light a/k/a "Big Red"
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ottawa County, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 42°46′21.7″N 86°12′44.7″W / 42.772694°N 86.212417°W |
| Year first constructed | 1872 |
| Year first lit | 1872 |
| Automated | 1970 |
| Foundation | Pier |
| Construction | Wood |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Height | 42 feet (13 m) |
| Original lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens (removed) |
| ARLHS number | USA-375 |
| USCG number | 7-19295 |
The Holland Harbor Light, also known as Big Red, is a famous lighthouse in Ottawa County, Michigan. It stands at the entrance of a channel that connects Lake Michigan with Lake Macatawa. This channel is important because it leads to the city of Holland, Michigan.
The lighthouse is located on the south side of this channel. There are also two newer lights that mark the ends of the long walls (called breakwaters) that stretch out into Lake Michigan, past the lighthouse.
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The Story of Big Red Lighthouse
For many years, local people asked for a lighthouse at Holland Harbor. Finally, in 1870, the United States Lighthouse Board (a government group in charge of lighthouses) suggested building the first light. The U.S. Congress then approved the plan.
Building the First Lighthouse
When Reverend Albertus van Raalte was looking for a place for his Dutch followers in 1847, he saw that Black Lake (now Lake Macatawa) could be a great harbor. But the lake's connection to Lake Michigan was blocked by sand and dirt. Van Raalte asked the U.S. Congress for help.
The channel was surveyed in 1849, but it wasn't fully opened because there wasn't enough money. So, the Dutch settlers decided to dig the channel themselves! On July 1, 1859, a small steamboat called the Huron was able to enter the port.
Growing the Harbor and Lighthouse
In 1886, the government set up the first lifesaving station at the harbor. By 1899, the channel had been moved and all the harbor work was finished. This helped businesses and resorts grow in the area. In 1900, more than 1,095 ships, including schooners (old sailing ships), steamers (ships powered by steam), and barges (flat-bottomed boats for carrying goods), used the harbor.
The very first lighthouse built here was a small, square wooden building in 1872. In 1880, the lighthouse service put a new light on top of a metal pole inside a protective cage. The oil lamp could be lowered with pulleys for cleaning and maintenance.
Around 1900, a strong steel tower was built for the light. Then, in 1907, the lighthouse you see today was built. It's officially called the Holland Harbor South Pierhead Lighthouse. Its unique gabled roof shows the Dutch influence in the area.
Saving Big Red
The lighthouse became known as "Big Red" because of its color. It was made automatic in 1932, meaning it didn't need a person to operate it anymore. In 1970, the U.S. Coast Guard thought about getting rid of it. But citizens loved Big Red and started petitions to save it!
Because of their efforts, the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission was created. This group works to protect and restore this important landmark. Big Red looks very similar to the Kewaunee Pierhead Light in Wisconsin, except for its color.
In 2007, the United States Department of the Interior announced that the Holland Harbor Light would be protected. This made it the 12th lighthouse in Michigan to get this special status.
Visiting Big Red Lighthouse
It can be a bit tricky to get super close to Big Red because you have to cross private land. However, there are no barriers stopping you from walking into the lighthouse area itself.
The best places to see the lighthouse easily are from across the channel at Holland State Park. As of May 27, 2013, you can walk to the lighthouse on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from mid-morning until sunset.
