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 is a historic lighthouse located in Presque Isle, Michigan. It was the very first lighthouse built in this area, back in 1840. Congress provided $5,000 to build it. The lighthouse tower was made mostly of strong stone and some brick.
However, the tower and its nearby building did not last long. The harsh weather caused them to wear down quickly. By 1867, they were in such bad shape that a new lighthouse was needed. Today, the Old Presque Isle Light no longer works as a lighthouse. Instead, it is a popular museum that people can visit.
Contents
History of the Old Light
Even though this old lighthouse is no longer active, some people believe it is still home to ghosts! Lake legends say that spirits haunt the light. 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 the lighthouse to light the lamp, even though it has been turned off for many years.
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 at the top of the tower. 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. One day, she was about to leave her cottage during a strong lightning storm. She claimed that an unusual force blocked her way out. Just then, lightning struck right outside the cottage! Mrs. Parris believes that her husband's spirit saved her from being hurt by the lightning.
Building a New Lighthouse
The United States Lighthouse Board was in charge of building and taking care of lighthouses. They decided to move the lighthouse location about two miles 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. This was more than 80 feet taller than the old lighthouse.
In March 1867, Congress provided $7,000 to make this new lighthouse possible. 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, east of Grand Lake (Presque Ile, Michigan).
Lighthouse Recognition
The Old Presque Isle Light is an important historical site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as a place that is important to the history of the United States.
A special type of lens, called a Fresnel lens, was once used with this lighthouse. This lens helped make the light brighter and more focused. It was later given to another lighthouse and is now 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, like the one used in the Old Presque Isle Light.
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