Tawas Point Light facts for kids
| Location | Baldwin Township, Iosco County Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 44°15′14″N 83°26′56″W / 44.254°N 83.449°W |
| Year first constructed | 1853 |
| Year first lit | 1853 |
| Construction | Brick and masonry |
| Tower shape | Conical |
| Markings / pattern | white w/black lantern attached brick cottage w/red roof |
| Height | 67 feet (20 m) |
| Focal height | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel lens (original), Fourth order Fresnel lens (current) |
| Range | white 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi); red 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Oc W 4s (R sector) Red from 045° to 135° |
| Fog signal | HORN: 2 blasts ev 60s (3s bl- 3s si-3s bl-51s si). 3,150 feet, 232° from light. Operates May 1 to Oct. 20. |
The Tawas Point Light is a historic lighthouse. It stands tall in Tawas Point State Park. This park is located on Tawas Bay in Lake Huron. You can find it in Baldwin Township in Iosco County, Michigan.
Contents
History of the Tawas Point Light
Building the First Lighthouse
In 1850, the United States Congress decided to build a lighthouse here. They set aside $5,000 for the project. Construction began in 1852. The lighthouse was finished and lit up in 1853.
However, the first lighthouse had many problems. The land around it, called Tawas Point, was growing. Shifting sands made the point extend almost a mile further into the lake. This meant the lighthouse was too far inland. Sailors could not see its light easily. The light itself was also quite dim.
A Shipwreck and a New Lighthouse
These problems led to a shipwreck. Captain Olmstead's schooner, the "Dolphin," crashed. He blamed the dim light of the Tawas Point Lighthouse. This made the Lighthouse Board realize they needed a better solution.
In 1875, Congress approved $30,000 for a brand new lighthouse. This new lighthouse was completed in 1877. It was much stronger and taller.
Changes Over Time
The area was first known as Ottawa Point. But in 1902, its name was officially changed to Tawas Point. This point sticks out into Lake Huron. It has always been a dangerous spot for ships. However, Tawas Bay behind the point offers a safe place for boats during storms.
The first light used lard oil for fuel. Later, it switched to kerosene. Today, the light is powered by electricity. The lighthouse you see now is the second one built on this spot.
The tower is about 70 feet (21 m) tall. It has thick brick walls. Inside, there is a special light called a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. This type of lens helps make the light very bright. The light can be seen from about 16 miles (26 km) away. Its light shines 70 feet (21 m) above the water.
The Keeper's House and Volunteers
The house where the lighthouse keeper lived is also quite large. In the 2000s, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources updated the house. They had help from the Friends of Tawas Point State Park.
Now, the downstairs of the house is a museum. It teaches visitors about the lighthouse's history. The upstairs is a living area for volunteers. These volunteers can stay for one or two weeks. They help take care of the lighthouse.
The Tawas Point Light is very popular. Many people take pictures of it. It is also a subject for art, like needlepoint.
The old Tawas lifesaving station nearby has also been saved. It is still being fixed up.
The Fresnel Lens Today
The special Fresnel lens at Tawas Point Light is still working. It is one of only about 70 such lenses still used in the United States. Sixteen of these are on the Great Lakes, and eight are in Michigan.
In 2015, the Coast Guard thought about replacing the old lens. But many people spoke up. They wanted to keep the historic lens. So, the original Fresnel lens remains in place today.
Current Events and Replicas
Detroit's Replica Lighthouse
A smaller copy of the Tawas Point Light was built in Detroit. It is called the "Tri-Centennial Light of Detroit". This replica is 63 feet tall. It marks the entrance to the harbor at William G. Milliken State Park.
This new lighthouse is special. It is believed to be the first brick lighthouse of its kind built in Michigan since 1892. It honors Michigan's long history with Great Lakes shipping.
See also
- Lighthouses in the United States
