Juniper Island (Lake Champlain) facts for kids
Rock Dunder (left) and Juniper Island
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| Geography | |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Champlain |
| Coordinates | 44°27′0″N 73°16′36″W / 44.45000°N 73.27667°W |
| Area | 13 acres (5.3 ha) |
| Administration | |
| State | Vermont |
| County | Chittenden |
| City | South Burlington |
Juniper Island is a small island in Lake Champlain. It is about 13-acre (53,000 m2) in size. You can find it about 3.15-mile (5.07 km) southwest of Burlington, Vermont. The island is famous for its historic Juniper Island Lighthouse.
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Juniper Island: A Beacon of History
Juniper Island has played an important role in guiding boats on Lake Champlain for a long time. Before lighthouses were built, people would hang lanterns from trees to help ships find their way. Juniper Island was chosen as the spot for the first real lighthouse on the lake.
Building the First Lighthouse
In 1825, the State of Vermont bought Juniper Island for $200. They then gave it to the U.S. federal government. The government decided to build a lighthouse there. Workers built a 30-foot (9.1 m) brick tower and a house for the lighthouse keeper. This was a big step for safe travel on Lake Champlain.
A Stronger, Lasting Light
The first lighthouse didn't last very long. It seems the building materials or the way it was built weren't strong enough. So, less than 20 years later, a new lighthouse was needed. This second lighthouse was a 25-foot (7.6 m) tower made from four cast iron rings. This cast iron lighthouse is still standing today, even though it's no longer used. It is the oldest cast iron lighthouse still around in the United States!
Changes Over the Years
In 1954, a new, taller light took over from the old cast iron tower. This new light was on a 60-foot (18 m) "skeleton tower," which looks like a tall metal frame. Two years later, in 1956, Juniper Island was sold at an auction. A state senator named Fred Fayette bought the island.
Sadly, in 1962, the lighthouse keeper's house was badly damaged by a fire. It was never fixed after that. However, the new skeleton tower and a small shed for a fog bell were not harmed by the fire.
The Island Today
After Fred Fayette passed away, his family inherited Juniper Island. In 2001, they built a new home on the island. They even used nearly 18,000 bricks that were saved from the ruins of the original keeper's house. A couple of years later, in 2003, a new, taller tower replaced the one from 1954.
The Fayette family hopes to fix up the old cast iron lighthouse tower. But it's not likely that the old tower will ever shine its light again. This is because tall trees on the island now block its view from the water.
