Name and Location

The Squaw Island Lighthouse is located on Beaver Island, Michigan, USA.

Construction and History

Built in 1851, the Squaw Island Lighthouse is one of the oldest remaining lighthouses in Michigan. It was constructed during the era of wooden lighthouses, making it a historic beacon that has guided mariners for generations.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive 45 feet tall, with a focal height of 43 feet. Its cylindrical shape is made of wooden pilings and topped with a lantern room featuring a third-order Fresnel lens. The exterior is clad in cedar shingles, while the interior is constructed from oak.

Light and Navigation

The Squaw Island Lighthouse originally featured a fixed white light, which was later replaced by a flashing red light. However, due to lack of data, the current light characteristic is not available.

Accessibility and Visiting

• Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds,
• but entry into the lantern room is restricted.
• The closest town is St. James Township, approximately 6 miles away from Beaver Island.
• Accommodations are available on the island and nearby mainland.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse overlooks the surrounding waters of Lake Michigan, offering a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The landscape is characterized by lush vegetation and rocky shores, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.

Technical and Operational Details

As a decommissioned lighthouse, the Squaw Island Light no longer functions as a navigation aid. However, its historical significance remains intact.

Further Information

The Squaw Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), recognizing its importance in American maritime history. For more information on the lighthouse's history, construction, and significance, consult the following sources: [Link to Wikipedia article] [Link to official website or historical society].