Old Mackinac Point Light facts for kids
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| Old Mackinac Point Light in November 2022 | |
| Location | Mackinaw City, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°47′15″N 84°43′46″W / 45.78750°N 84.72944°W |
| Year first constructed | 1892 |
| Year first lit | 1892 |
| Deactivated | 1957 |
| Foundation | Ashlar limestone |
| Construction | Cream City brick |
| Tower shape | Cylindrical "castle" with attached dwelling |
| Markings / pattern | Natural with black lantern |
| Height | 50 feet (15 m) |
| Focal height | 62 feet (19 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 14 nautical miles; 26 kilometres (16 mi) |
The Old Mackinac Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in Mackinaw City, Michigan. It sits at the northern tip of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. This lighthouse helped guide ships through the busy Straits of Mackinac, where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet.
Built in 1892, the lighthouse was an important safety feature for boats. It was turned off in 1957 when the Mackinac Bridge was built. Today, the Old Mackinac Point Light is a popular museum. It is part of Fort Michilimackinac State Park.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Even before European explorers arrived, the Straits of Mackinac were dangerous for boats. The Ojibwa people used to light fires on the shore to help guide travelers.
As more large ships began using the Straits in the early 1800s, better navigation aids were needed. In 1829, the Bois Blanc Lighthouse was built. It helped guide sailors turning into the Straits and warned them about shallow areas.
Later, in 1832, a lightship was placed on Waugoshance Shoal. This was the first attempt to mark the western entrance to the Straits. However, it wasn't very good. In 1854, another lighthouse was built at McGulpin Point. This was about three miles west of where the Old Mackinac Point Light stands today.
Building the Lighthouse
By 1889, the United States Lighthouse Board realized that Mackinaw Point was a much better spot for a light. They first wanted to build a fog signal there. Fog signals make loud noises to guide ships when it's foggy and they can't see the light.
Congress approved money for the fog signal, which was built in 1890. This signal was very important because the Straits of Mackinac often had thick fog. The fog signal used a lot of wood to create steam for its loud horn.
Because the fog signal was so useful, Congress decided to fund a full light station in 1891. The lighthouse was built quickly in 1892. It was made from Cream City brick and Indiana Limestone. The tower was about 45 feet tall. At the top, it had a special Fresnel lens that made its light very bright.
The light from the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse could be seen for 16 miles. This was especially helpful for the large railroad car ferries like the SS Chief Wawatam and SS Sainte Marie. These ferries carried trains across the Straits between Mackinaw City and St. Ignace.
Deactivation and Preservation
The Old Mackinac Point Light was no longer needed after the Mackinac Bridge was finished in 1957. The bridge itself has lights that guide ships, making the lighthouse unnecessary.
In 1960, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission bought the lighthouse property. It became part of the nearby Fort Michilimackinac State Park. The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. It is also a registered Michigan Historic Landmark.
The lighthouse complex, including the keeper's house and tower, reopened to the public in 2004. Visitors can see the lighthouse's original Fresnel lens. The first floor of the lighthouse is open to everyone. It has old furniture and exhibits where you can try out navigation skills or even dress up like a Lighthouse keeper. Guides also lead tours up the tower to the lantern room.
Since 2018, major work has been done to restore the outside and inside of the lighthouse.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse is right next to the Mackinac Bridge. This means you get great views of the bridge and boats passing by.
You enter the museum through the old 1907 Fog Signal Building, which also has a gift shop. There is a fee to get in. Pets are welcome to visit the grounds.
The lighthouse tower is open for tours.
The lighthouse is part of Michilimackinac State Park. It's just a short walk east of the Mackinac Bridge and the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitors Center. The Mackinac Parks Commission runs the museum today.
Because of its beautiful location and unique "castle" design, the lighthouse is a popular subject for photos and artwork.
See also
- Great Lakes Storm of 1913
- Lighthouses in the United States
