Manistique East Breakwater Light facts for kids
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| Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse | |
 Manistique East Breakwater Light
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Manistique, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°56′41.2296″N 86°14′51.5544″W / 45.944786000°N 86.247654000°W |
| Year first constructed | 1916 |
| Year first lit | 1916 |
| Automated | 1969 |
| Foundation | Concrete pier |
| Construction | Steel |
| Tower shape | Square pyramidal |
| Markings / pattern | Red with black lantern |
| Original lens | Fourth-order Fresnel (original) |
| Range | 10 mn |
| Characteristic | Iso R 6s |
| ARLHS number | USA-469 |
| USCG number | 7-21475 |
The Manistique East Breakwater Light is a lighthouse in Manistique, Michigan. It helps ships find their way in the harbor. This lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Contents
History of the Manistique Lighthouse
Why Manistique Needed a Lighthouse
In the early 1900s, Manistique was a busy town. Many ships carried timber and iron from its harbor every day. But the harbor's old wooden docks, built in the 1870s, weren't strong enough.
By 1910, leaders in Manistique asked the government for help. They showed how important the harbor was for trade. So, an expert from the United States Army Corps of Engineers came to plan new concrete walls. These walls, called breakwaters, would protect the harbor. Construction of the breakwaters began in 1910.
Building the Lighthouse
At the same time, George Putnam, who was in charge of lighthouses, suggested building lights on the new breakwaters. In 1912, temporary lights were put on one of the old docks.
Money for permanent lights was approved in 1913. By 1914, permanent lights were finished on the west breakwater. The east breakwater was not finished until 1915. After that, work started on the east breakwater light. A house for the lighthouse keeper was also built nearby. The lighthouse was finished in August 1916. Its light first shone on August 17, 1916.
Changes Over Time
As the years passed, Manistique became less important as a shipping port. In 1969, the lighthouse became automated. This means it no longer needed a keeper to operate it. The original Fresnel lens, which was a special type of glass lens, was replaced. A new plastic light was put in its place.
In 2000, the Army Corps of Engineers changed the concrete breakwater. They replaced it with large rocks called rip rap.
New Ownership
In 2012, there was a chance for a group to take over the lighthouse for free. This was part of a program to save historic lighthouses. But no group stepped forward to care for it. So, the lighthouse was put up for sale. An auction was held, and a private person bought the lighthouse on July 15, 2013.
What the Manistique Light Looks Like
The Manistique East Breakwater Light is a square tower. It stands about 38 feet tall. It sits on a strong concrete base. The tower is made of steel plates bolted together.
At the top of the tower is a square platform. Above that is a ten-sided lantern room made of cast iron. Inside this room is an electric light. It shines a steady red light. This light helps guide ships safely into the harbor.
Images for kids
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Manistique East Breakwater Lighthouse
