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 an old lighthouse located near Ontonagon, Michigan. It stands proudly off M-64. This historic building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site in 1973.
Contents
The Story of Ontonagon Light
As Ontonagon grew into an important port on Lake Superior, ships needed help finding their way. So, in 1847, money was set aside to buy land for a lighthouse. More funds were approved in 1850 to build the structure.
Building the First Lighthouse
Construction began in 1852. The first lighthouse was finished and lit in 1853. It first used special Lewis lamps. These were later replaced in 1857 with a powerful Fresnel lens. This new lens cost $500.
A New Brick Lighthouse
By 1866, the first wooden lighthouse was getting old and falling apart. Plans were made to build a new one. A new brick lighthouse was completed in 1867. A builder from Detroit named W.F. Chittenden built it for $14,000. The bright lens was moved from the old wooden building. The old lighthouse was then taken down.
Later, in 1889, an iron walkway was added around the light. This made it easier to clean the windows. In 1890, a kitchen was built onto the lighthouse keeper's home.
The Lighthouse Today
The Ontonagon Light stopped being used in 1963. It officially closed in January 1964. The building was rented to the last lighthouse keeper. His family lived there as their private home for a few years. The special Fresnel lens and the keeper's old logbooks were given to the Ontonagon County Historical Society.
In 1975, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, the Ontonagon County Historical Society took over ownership. The society worked hard to fully restore the lighthouse. Now, they offer tours for visitors to learn about its history.
What Does the Lighthouse Look Like?
The Ontonagon Light is a cream-colored brick building. It has one and a half stories and sits on a strong stone foundation. A tall, three-story tower is built right into the house. The tower is about 34 feet tall.
A Common Design
This design was used for many lighthouses in Michigan. Other lighthouses like the Bois Blanc Light, Copper Harbor Light, and Marquette Harbor Light look similar.
Inside and Out
The top of the tower has a metal beacon with many sides. Inside the tower, a spiral staircase leads up to the light. It also connects to the basement and the top floor of the house. A single-story kitchen is attached to the other side of the house. The building has three window sections on each side. These windows have stone tops and bottoms. The roof has a sloped shape with a small dormer window on each side.
