Ontonagon Light facts for kids
| Location | Off MI 64, Ontonagon, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 46°52′25″N 89°19′7″W / 46.87361°N 89.31861°W |
| Year first constructed | 1853 |
| Year first lit | 1853 |
| Deactivated | 1964 |
| Foundation | Natural/emplaced |
| Construction | brick |
| Tower shape | square |
| Markings / pattern | yellow brick with black lantern |
| Height | 34 feet (10 m) |
| Original lens | 5th-order Fresnel lens |
The Ontonagon Light is a lighthouse located near Ontonagon, Michigan. It stands off M-64, a road in Michigan. This historic lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973.
Contents
History of the Ontonagon Light
Why a Lighthouse Was Needed
Ontonagon became a very important port on Lake Superior. Ships needed help finding their way safely, especially at night or in bad weather. Because of this, people realized a lighthouse was needed to guide them.
Building the First Lighthouse
In 1847, money was set aside to buy land for the lighthouse. A few years later, in 1850, more money was approved to build the structure. Construction started in 1852 and finished in 1853. The first light used special Lewis lamps. These were later replaced in 1857 with a better Fresnel lens. This new lens cost $500.
A New Brick Lighthouse
By 1866, the first lighthouse, which was made of wood, was in bad shape. Plans were made to build a new one. A new lighthouse made of brick was finished in 1867. A builder from Detroit named W.F. Chittenden built it for $14,000. The good Fresnel lens from the old lighthouse was moved to the new brick one. The old wooden structure was then taken down.
Improvements Over Time
In 1889, an iron walkway was added around the light. This made it easier for the lighthouse keeper to clean the windows. A year later, in 1890, a kitchen was added to the keeper's living area.
The Lighthouse Closes and Reopens
The Ontonagon Light stopped being used in 1963. It officially closed in January 1964. The building was then rented to the last lighthouse keeper. His family lived there as their private home for several years. The special Fresnel lens and the keeper's old logbooks were given to the Ontonagon County Historical Society.
The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. In 2003, the Ontonagon County Historical Society took over ownership of the building. The society worked hard to completely restore the lighthouse. Today, they offer tours for visitors to explore this historic place.
What the Ontonagon Light Looks Like
The Ontonagon Light is a unique building. It has a rectangular, 11⁄2-story house for the keeper. This house is made of cream-colored brick and sits on a stone foundation. The lighthouse tower is built right into the house.
The Tower and Its Features
The tower is three stories tall, about 34-foot (10 m) high. It has a square shape. At the very top of the tower is a metal beacon where the light shines out. Inside the tower, there is a spiral staircase. This staircase leads up to the light. It also connects to the basement and the upper floor of the keeper's house.
The Keeper's House
A single-story kitchen is attached to the house on the side opposite the tower. The house has three window sections on each side. These windows are double-hung, meaning they slide up and down. They have six small panes of glass on the top and six on the bottom. The windows have stone tops and bottoms. The roof of the house is sloped, and it has one small, sloped window on each side.
Similar Lighthouse Designs
This design, with the keeper's house and tower built together, was used for several other lighthouses in Michigan. Some examples include the Bois Blanc Light, Copper Harbor Light, Grand Island North Light, Granite Island Lighthouse, Gull Rock Light Station, Huron Island Light, Marquette Harbor Light, and the Sand Point Light.
