Tawas Point Light facts for kids
{{Infobox lighthouse | image = Tawaspoint3.jpg | location = Baldwin Township, Iosco County Michigan | coordinates = 44°15′14″N 83°26′56″W / 44.254°N 83.449°W | yearbuilt = 1853 | yearlit = 1853 | construction = Brick and masonry | shape = Conical | height = 67 feet (20 m) | focalheight = 70 feet (21 m) | marking = white w/black lantern attached brick cottage w/red roof | 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° | fogsignal = 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.
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} The Tawas Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in the Tawas Point State Park. You can find it off Tawas Bay in Lake Huron, within Baldwin Township in Northern Michigan. Lighthouses like this one are important because they help guide ships safely, especially in tricky waters.
Contents
- Building the First Lighthouse
- Why a New Lighthouse Was Needed
- Changes to the Point and Light
- How the Lighthouse Is Built
- The Lighthouse Today
- The Special Fresnel Lens
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Tawas Point Light
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| Built | 1876 |
|---|---|
| NRHP reference No. | 84001453 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | July 19, 1984 |
History of Tawas Point Light
Building the First Lighthouse
In 1850, the United States Congress decided to fund a new lighthouse. They set aside $5,000 for its construction. Building began in 1852, and the lighthouse was ready to shine its light in 1853.
However, this first lighthouse quickly ran into problems. The shifting sands of the point caused the land to grow. This meant the lighthouse ended up nearly a mile inland from where it was supposed to be.
Why a New Lighthouse Was Needed
By 1867, lighthouse inspectors noticed the building was wearing down. They suggested it needed major repairs or even a replacement. But the Lighthouse Board had other urgent projects and didn't act right away.
The sand continued to build up, pushing the lighthouse even further from the water. This made it hard for sailors to see its light. The light itself was also known for being quite dim. These issues led to a shipwreck involving Captain Olmstead's schooner, the "Dolphin." The captain blamed the dim, hard-to-see light.
This incident made the Lighthouse Board rethink their plans. In 1875, Congress approved $30,000 for a brand new lighthouse. This second, stronger lighthouse was completed around 1877.
Changes to the Point and Light
The area was first known as Ottawa Point. In 1902, its name was officially changed to Tawas Point. This point sticks out into Lake Huron and has always been a danger to ships.
Tawas Bay, located behind the point, offers a safe place for boats during storms. The point itself has grown much larger over time due to sand buildup. The original light used lard oil, then kerosene, and today it is powered by electricity.
How the Lighthouse Is Built
The lighthouse tower stands 70 feet (21 m) tall from its base. It is 16 feet (4.9 m) wide at the bottom and 9 feet 6 inches (2.90 m) wide at the top. The tower has two brick walls: an outer wall 24 inches (610 mm) thick and an inner wall 8 inches (200 mm) thick. There is a 24 inches (610 mm) air space between the walls.
The light uses a Fourth Order Fresnel lens. This special lens helps the light shine brightly. It can be seen up to 16 miles (26 km) away. The light's focal plane, where the light shines from, is 70 feet (21 m) above Lake Huron's average water level. The Keeper’s House, where the lighthouse keeper lived, is 43 feet (13 m) long and 26 feet (7.9 m) wide.
The Lighthouse Today
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is currently working to restore the lighthouse. They are getting help from the Friends of Tawas Point State Park. The downstairs of the keeper's house will become a museum. The upstairs will be a small cabin that people can rent.
You can even volunteer to be a lighthouse keeper for one or two weeks! This allows you to stay in the house and help out. The Tawas Point Light is a popular spot for photos and art because it is so beautiful.
The lifesaving station nearby has also been saved and is being renovated.
The Special Fresnel Lens
The Fresnel lens at Tawas Point Light is still working. This is very special because only about 70 such lenses are still used in the United States. Sixteen of these are on the Great Lakes, and eight of those are in Michigan.
In 2015, the Coast Guard thought about replacing the Fresnel lens with a modern light. But after many people shared their opinions, the beautiful old lens was allowed to stay.
Modern Connections
Detroit's Tri-Centennial Light
A larger copy of the Tawas Point Light was built in Detroit. It's called the "Tri-Centennial Light of Detroit" and stands at Tri-Centennial State Park. This lighthouse is 63 feet (19 m) tall and helps mark the entrance to the harbor.
It is believed to be the first conical brick lighthouse built in Michigan since 1892. It serves as a tribute to Michigan's rich history with the Great Lakes and shipping.
See also
- Lighthouses in the United States
