Name and Location

The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse is located at 37730 Michigan Ave, St James, MI 49782, USA, situated on Beaver Island in Lake Michigan.

Construction and History

The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse was constructed in 1830 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of Lake Michigan. Its strategic location ensured safe passage for vessels traveling between Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. The lighthouse was originally built with a third-order Fresnel lens, providing a bright beam that could be seen for miles.

Architecture and Materials

The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse is a classic example of a square-tapered lighthouse design typical of those built in the early 19th century. The structure features a brick tower standing at an impressive height of unknown and a distinctive red roof. The building's walls are constructed from local limestone, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse was originally equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, which provided a bright beam that could be seen for miles. In 1853, the light station was automated, marking the end of its dependence on human keepers. The US Coast Guard has been responsible for maintaining the beacon since then.

Accessibility and Visiting

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Notable Views and Landscape

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Anecdotes and Folklore

The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse was one of the earliest lighthouses built on Lake Michigan. Its original fog signal was replaced with a diaphone foghorn in the early 20th century.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was originally equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens, which provided a bright beam that could be seen for miles. In 1853, the light station was automated, marking the end of its dependence on human keepers. The US Coast Guard has been responsible for maintaining the beacon since then.

Further Information

The Beaver Island Harbor Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and is considered one of the most important lighthouses in Michigan's history. Efforts have been made to preserve this iconic landmark, including a comprehensive restoration project undertaken by the US Coast Guard in the 1990s.