Mendota (Bete Grise) Light facts for kids
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 Mendota (Bete Grise) Light
Location in Michigan
Mendota (Bete Grise) Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bete Grise, Delaware, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 47°22′27″N 87°58′00″W / 47.37417°N 87.96667°W |
| Year first constructed | 1895 |
| Deactivated | 1956 |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square, attached T-shaped bldg. w/steep gable roof. |
| Markings / pattern | Yellow with black lantern |
| Height | 42 feet (13 m) |
| Focal height | 44 feet (13 m) |
| Original lens | 4th Order Fresnel Lens |
| Current lens | 4th Order Fresnel Lens |
| Characteristic | Flash W 20 secs. |
| ARLHS number | USA-489 |
| USCG number | 7-15151 |
The Mendota Light, also known as the Bete Grise Light, is a historic lighthouse in Michigan. It stands on the Keweenaw Peninsula. This lighthouse helped ships travel between Lake Superior and Lac La Belle. A special canal was built to connect these two bodies of water.
Contents
Building the Mendota Light
First Lighthouse Attempt
Plans for the Mendota Light were first made in 1867. The original lighthouse was built in 1869. However, it was only used for one year. Sailors found that the light did not help them much. There was also no real business reason for ships to use this route.
So, the lighthouse was turned off. The tower was taken down and moved to Marquette. But the keeper's house, where the lighthouse worker lived, stayed in its place.
A New Need for the Light
Years later, in 1892, a big storm hit. Ships tried to find a safe place in the bay. Sailors saw the old, empty keeper's house. They realized how much easier it would be to find the harbor if there was a light.
By 1895, money was set aside to build the light again. However, the old building was too damaged to be used. So, a completely new lighthouse was built. It was placed on the same foundations as the first one.
Automation and Deactivation
In 1933, the Mendota Light became automated. This meant it could work by itself without a human keeper. Then, in 1956, the light was turned off for good. It was no longer needed for navigation.
The Light's New Life
Becoming a Private Home
After being turned off, the lighthouse became a private home. It stayed that way until 1996. The Mendota Light is special because you can only reach it by boat. There are no roads or driveways leading to it.
Restoration and Re-lighting
In 1996, the lighthouse was put up for sale. It was bought by someone who wanted to save it. The original fourth-order Fresnel lens was found. This is the special glass lens that makes the light beam strong. It was fixed up and, in 1998, the light was turned on again!
Today, the original lens is still there and working. People are working hard to keep the light shining for many more years. It is now a private aid to navigation. This means it helps boats, but it is owned and cared for by private individuals.
Visiting the Mendota Light
To see the Mendota Light, you can travel to the Upper Michigan. Head to the town of Bete Grise. The road ends at the Mendota Ship Canal. From there, it's a short walk to the canal. You will see the station boathouse across the canal. The Mendota Light itself is a little to the east.
- National Park Service Haritime Heritage, Inventory of Historic Lighthouses, Bete Grise Light.
Images for kids
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Lac La Belle Harbor Navigation Sign.
