South Bass Island Light facts for kids
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| South Bass Island Light (USCG) | |
 South Bass Island Light
Location in Ohio
South Bass Island Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | South Bass Island in Lake Erie |
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| Coordinates | 41°37′44″N 82°50′29″W / 41.6290°N 82.8415°W |
| Year first lit | 1897 |
| Deactivated | 1962 |
| Foundation | Brick |
| Construction | Brick |
| Tower shape | Two-story house with square tower at corner |
| Height | 60 feet (18 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth-order Fresnel lens |
| Range | 13 nautical miles; 24 kilometres (15 mi) |
| Characteristic | fixed red |
| ARLHS number | USA-769 |
The South Bass Island Light is a historic lighthouse located on the southern tip of South Bass Island in Lake Erie. It first lit up in 1897. This special lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also thought to be the only lighthouse in the United States owned by a university, which is Ohio State.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
Why the Lighthouse Was Built
In the late 1800s, more and more tourists were visiting South Bass Island. This meant more boats were traveling on Lake Erie. To help guide these boats safely, especially between Sandusky and Toledo, a new lighthouse was needed. In 1893, the Lighthouse Board decided to build one.
Building a Unique Structure
The perfect spot for the new lighthouse was chosen at Parker Point. This is on the southwest side of the island. In 1895, a two-acre piece of land was bought for the project. Building the lighthouse took some time. It was finally finished and started working in 1897.
The South Bass Island Light looks different from many lighthouses built around that time. It's a large, two-and-a-half-story brick house. It was built in the Queen Anne style. A three-story tower is built right into one corner of the house. Inside the tower, there was a special Fresnel lens. This lens made the light very bright. It was first powered by oil, but later changed to electricity.
Life of the Lighthouse Keepers
Lighthouse keepers had a very important job. They made sure the light was always shining to guide ships. The first keeper, Harry Riley, and his assistant, Sam Anderson, worked there for a short time. Being a lighthouse keeper could be a difficult and lonely job. Keepers sometimes faced tough challenges and sad events.
From Light to Research Center
In 1962, the South Bass Island Light was turned off. A new, modern steel tower was built nearby to take its place. The original lens from the old lighthouse was moved. You can still see it today at the Lake Erie Island Historical Museum.
A few years later, the lighthouse property was no longer needed by the government. Ohio State University saw a great chance to use the building. They already had the Stone Laboratory on Gibraltar Island nearby. In 1997, the university officially took ownership of the lighthouse.
Today, the lighthouse is used by university researchers and staff. They study the lake and its environment. Sometimes, during the summer, the lighthouse is open for visitors to take tours. This allows people to see inside this historic building. The outside of the lighthouse looks almost exactly as it did when it was first built. In 1990, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
