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St. Helena Island Lighthouse

4901 St Helena Iss, St Ignace, MI 49781, USA

Name and Location

The St. Helena Island Lighthouse, also known as St. Helena Light, is located on St. Helena Island in Lake Huron, Michigan, United States. The exact address is 4901 St Helena Iss, St Ignace, MI 49781, USA.

2. Construction and History

Construction on the lighthouse began in 1885 and was completed in 1887, during the late 19th century. The official name of the lighthouse is the St. Helena Island Light, while locals affectionately refer to it as "St. Helena Lighthouse".

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse was designed in the Victorian-era style, with a square tower made of brick and stone. The structure stands 45 feet (13.7 meters) tall, with a focal height of 64 feet (19.5 meters).

4. Light and Navigation

The original light characteristic was a fixed white light, but it has since been discontinued. Although still an active aid to navigation, the St. Helena Island Lighthouse has been converted into a private residence and no longer serves as an operational lighthouse.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors are not permitted to enter the private residence that occupies the lighthouse building. However, the surrounding area is accessible for recreational activities such as walking and birdwatching. Due to private residence status, visitors are not permitted to enter the building.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

From the lighthouse's vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of Lake Huron and the surrounding islands.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

In 1892, a shipwreck occurred near the lighthouse, highlighting the importance of this beacon for navigation in the region. Little information is available on the lives of the former keepers who maintained the lighthouse during its operational years.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in 1978, replacing manual operation by keepers. The coordinates are latitude 45.8550875° N and longitude -84.8636364° W. A map link is available unknown.

9. Further Information

The St. Helena Island Lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. For more information, consult the following sources: unknown.

Details

NameSt. Helena Island Lighthouse
City
CountryUnited States
Coordinates45.8550875, -84.8636364
Year of construction1887
Events1892 shipwreck
Historic significanceRole in maritime history, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
StoriesLittle information is available on the lives of former keepers who maintained the lighthouse during its operational years.
Architectural styleVictorian-era style
Construction materialBrick and stone
Focal height19.5
Tower height13.7
Heritage statustrue
RenovationsConverted into a private residence and no longer serves as an operational lighthouse
Access descriptionSurrounding area is accessible for recreational activities such as walking and birdwatching.
Accessiblefalse
View descriptionStunning views of Lake Huron and surrounding islands.
FacilitiesToilets, Café, Gift shop
Nearby attractionsSt. Ignace Historical Museum, Straits State Park
Light characteristicFixed white light (discontinued)
Automatedtrue