Seul Choix Light facts for kids
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| Seul Choix Light (August 2017) | |
| Location | Schoolcraft County, Michigan |
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| Coordinates | 45°55′17″N 85°54′43″W / 45.92139°N 85.91194°W |
| Year first lit | 1892 |
| Automated | 1972 |
| Foundation | Ashlar stone |
| Construction | Brick, Italianate bracketing |
| Tower shape | Frustum of a cone, attached keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | White orig./White/black markings/red roofs |
| Height | 77 feet (23 m) |
| Focal height | 80 feet (24 m) |
| Original lens | Third order Fresnel lens (original), Vega Industries Marine LED Beacon (current) |
| Range | 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi) |
| Characteristic | white flash every 6 seconds |
| Fog signal | Diaphone (not active, on display) |
The Seul Choix Light is a historic lighthouse located on the northwest side of Lake Michigan in Schoolcraft County, Michigan. It first started guiding ships in 1895. In 1972, it became fully automated, meaning it no longer needed a human keeper. Today, it's still an active light, helping boats find their way. There's also a museum at the lighthouse, and visitors can explore the building and grounds from late May to mid-October.
Contents
History of Seul Choix Light
This spot was the only safe harbor along a very dangerous part of the coast. Its French name, "Seul Choix," means "only choice." This name suggests that early French traders used it as their only safe place to stop. Locals often say the name like "Sis-shwa." This was likely the common way both French traders and Native Americans said it.
Why a Lighthouse Was Needed
In the 1880s, more and more ships were traveling between the western shores of Lake Michigan and the Straits of Mackinac. Even though some lighthouses existed, there was a dark, 100-mile stretch of coastline without any lights. This was especially risky during storms at the beginning and end of the shipping season. Waves could grow very large across the lake. Sailors desperately needed safe places to hide from these storms. They would look for shelter on the side of land that was protected from the wind.
Building the Lighthouse
The United States Lighthouse Board decided to build a lighthouse here. It would mark the safe harbor and act as a visual guide between other existing lights. After a lot of planning, the lighthouse was finally built. It also included a separate building for a fog horn and a station for life-saving crews. The design of this lighthouse is similar to the Au Sable Light, which was designed by Orlando M. Poe. The building itself is in the Italianate architecture style.
Lighthouse Lenses and Automation
The original light inside the tower was a special Fresnel lens. This type of lens was very good at making light shine far away. After it was removed in 1973, a newer, automated light was put in its place. This new light, called an aerobeacon, flashes white every six seconds. It can be seen up to 17 miles away in clear weather, just like the old lens. In 1973, the Coast Guard closed the station, and the automated light continued to work without anyone there.
Buildings on the Site
The lighthouse property includes several other buildings. There are two brick buildings that used to store oil for the light. There's also a workshop, a barn, and a cistern (a tank for collecting water) inside the keeper's house. The old boathouse is now a garage. There's a second house for keepers, two outhouses, and a dock.
Historic Recognition
On July 19, 1984, the Seul Choix Pointe Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site in the United States. It was also listed on the state registry in Michigan in 1987.
Current Status of Seul Choix Light
The Gulliver Historical Society now manages the lighthouse. They work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Visiting the Lighthouse
The lighthouse is open to the public, and you can take tours. It's pretty special because you can even climb to the top of the tower, which isn't common for lighthouses that are still active. Inside, you can see the old fog signal and a very old dugout canoe that was found nearby. The lighthouse also has unique copper decorations around some of its inside doors.
The lighthouse has been going through a historical restoration to make sure it stays in good condition. The grounds are open all year, and the light and museum are open from Memorial Day until October 15.
Some people say the lighthouse is haunted by its old lightkeeper, Joseph William Townshed!
Location of Seul Choix Light
The lighthouse is located at the very end of Seul Choix Pointe. This is on the shore of Lake Michigan in southern Mueller Township. You can find it at the end of Co. Rd. 431/John Goudreau Road, southeast of Gulliver, Michigan. It's also near Port Inland, about 11 miles east of Manistique.
Images for kids
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View of the current beacon taken from the lantern room July 2015
