Round Island Light, Michigan facts for kids
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 Round Island Light
Location in Michigan
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| Location | Mackinac County, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°50′13.8″N 84°36′59.7″W / 45.837167°N 84.616583°W |
| Year first lit | 1895 |
| Automated | 1924 |
| Deactivated | 1947 |
| Foundation | Concrete pier |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Square |
| Markings / pattern | red w/black lantern, trim & attached house w/red lower & cream upper |
| Height | 57 feet (17 m) |
| Focal height | 53 feet (16 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth Order Fresnel Lens |
| Current lens | 12-inch (300 mm) Tideland signal ML-300 acrylic optic |
| Range | 16 nautical miles; 29 kilometres (18 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 10 seconds |
| ARLHS number | USA-706 |
| USCG number | 7-12s585 |
The Round Island Light is a historic lighthouse in Michigan. It is also known as the "Old Round Island Point Lighthouse." You can find it on the west side of Round Island. This island is located in the Straits of Mackinac. These straits connect two of the Great Lakes: Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.
The lighthouse was built because Round Island was a danger to ships. It helped guide boats safely through the busy waters. Many people think the lighthouse looks like an old schoolhouse. This is because of its red stone base and wooden tower. Ferries often pass by it on their way to Mackinac Island. The Round Island Light is a well-known symbol of the upper Great Lakes.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
The Round Island Light was built in 1895. It was made of painted brick. The lighthouse was constructed by a group that later became part of the United States Coast Guard. A carpenter from Mackinac Island named Frank Rounds also helped build it.
Why Was the Lighthouse Built?
From 1895 to 1947, the lighthouse was active. People lived and worked there to keep the light shining. It also had a fog signal to help ships in bad weather. In 1947, the lighthouse was no longer needed. A new, automated light tower took its place. This new light was in the nearby Round Island Channel.
What Happened After It Was Abandoned?
After the lighthouse was abandoned, it started to fall apart. People took things from it, and vandals caused damage. In 1972, a big storm hit. A part of the lighthouse structure collapsed. This event made people realize the lighthouse needed help.
How Was the Lighthouse Saved?
Efforts to save the lighthouse began after the storm. In 1974, the Round Island Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect important historical sites. It was also named a Michigan historic site in 1978.
Workers did emergency repairs in the 1970s to keep the tower from falling. However, the inside of the lighthouse was still empty. In 1995, a group called the Friends of the Round Island Lighthouse helped restore it. The Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association (GLLKA) led this work. Even Boy Scouts of America Troop 323 helped out!
The state of Michigan also helped pay for the repairs. They used money from special license plates. These plates were designed to raise money for lighthouse restoration. In 1973, large rocks called rip rap were placed around the lighthouse base. This helped protect it from water damage. Local groups raised $12,000 for the project in 1974. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation gave $125,000 in 1977.
Because of all this hard work, the Coast Guard allowed the light to be turned on again. The Round Island Light was re-lit in 1996. The original brick outhouse and oil house are still standing today.
Michigan Historical Marker
The Round Island Light is an official Michigan historic site. A historical marker was put up in 1978. It tells the story of the lighthouse. The marker explains that the lighthouse was used for 52 years. It had a crew of three people until 1924. After that, an automated light took over, and one caretaker stayed until 1947. The United States Forest Service now looks after the lighthouse. It is located in the Hiawatha National Forest. The marker reminds visitors of the area's rich history.
Visiting the Lighthouse
Round Island itself is not easy for most people to visit. However, you can still see the lighthouse! The historical marker is on Biddle's Point on nearby Mackinac Island. From there, you can get a good view of the light tower. If you have a telephoto lens, you can take great pictures.
How to See the Lighthouse Up Close
The best way to see the lighthouse up close is by private boat. If you don't have a boat, you can take a lighthouse cruise. Sheplers Ferry Service offers these tours during the summer. Their "Eastbound Tour" goes past the Round Island Light. It also passes Bois Blanc Island and Light, Poe Reef Light, and Fourteen Foot Shoal Light. You can check their website for schedules and prices.
Another exciting way to see the lights is by chartering a seaplane. This allows you to fly over the straits and see many lighthouses.
Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state. The Round Island Light is one of over 150 lighthouses in Michigan. To learn more, you can read about Lighthouses in the United States.
Images for kids
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U.S. Coast Guard archive photo
