Old Presque Isle Light facts for kids
| Location | Presque Isle, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°20′31.3″N 83°28′41.8″W / 45.342028°N 83.478278°W |
| Year first constructed | 1840 |
| Year first lit | 1840 |
| Deactivated | 1871 |
| Foundation | dressed stone/timber |
| Construction | lower 2/3 stone, upper brick |
| Tower shape | conical, separate building |
| Markings / pattern | white/black lantern & parapet |
| Height | 38 feet (12 m) |
| Focal height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Original lens | none |
| Fog signal | Bell |
The Old Presque Isle Light was the first lighthouse in the Presque Isle, Michigan area. It was built in 1840. Congress provided $5,000 to help build it two years earlier. The tower and the keeper's home were made of stone and brick.
However, the harsh weather caused the buildings to wear down quickly. By 1867, they were in bad shape. Congress decided a new lighthouse was needed. Today, the Old Presque Isle Light no longer guides ships. It is now a museum that you can visit.
Contents
History of the Old Light
Even though this old lighthouse is no longer used, some people believe it has a special resident. Lake legends say that ghosts might still live there. One famous ghost is said to be George Parris. He was a caretaker at the museum who has since passed away. The story goes that George sometimes returns to light the lamp, even though it's been turned off for a long time.
There are other interesting stories about Mr. Parris. One time, a young girl was exploring the tower by herself. When she came back, she told her parents she had been talking to a "nice old man" in the lamp room. Later, it was discovered that no one else was in the tower at that time. The girl was able to correctly identify the man as George Parris from a photo in the museum.
Another story involves Mr. Parris's wife after he had passed away. She was about to leave her home during a big lightning storm. She said that something unusual stopped her from going outside. Right after that, lightning struck very close to the house. Mrs. Parris believed it was the spirit of her husband protecting her from danger.
The New Presque Isle Lighthouse, which is a few miles north, also has its own tales. Some say they hear a keeper's wife there. She was said to have become very unwell due to being isolated and not allowed to leave the lighthouse.
Why a New Lighthouse Was Built
The United States Lighthouse Board was in charge of building and taking care of lighthouses. They decided to move the lighthouse location about 2 miles (3.2 km) north. This new spot would allow ships farther from shore to see the light more easily. The new tower was also designed to be much taller, at 113 feet (34 m) high. This was more than 80 feet (24 m) taller than the old one.
In March 1867, Congress approved $7,000 for this project. Soon after, the New Presque Isle Lighthouse was built. Both the Old Presque Isle Light and the New Presque Isle Light are located on a peninsula. They are east of Grand Lake (Presque Ile, Michigan).
A Historic Landmark
The Old Presque Isle Light is a very important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its special reference number is 73000957. The official name on the list is "OLD PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE."
A special type of lens, called a Fresnel lens, was once used with this light. This lens was later given to another lighthouse. You can now see it on display at the Beaver Island Head Light.
See also
- Lighthouses in the United States
Images for kids
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A Fresnel Lens, similar to those used in lighthouses.
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