Copper Harbor Front Range Light

The Copper Harbor Front Range Light is a historic lighthouse located in Grant Township, Michigan, USA.

History

• Construction on the range lights was completed in 1869.
• The light effectively illuminated the area of the harbor but failed to guide mariners through the narrow opening of rocks at its entrance.

Architecture

The tower height of the Copper Harbor Front Range Light is approximately 60 feet (18 meters).

The focal height, which is the distance from the base of the tower to the top of the light, is about 120 feet (37 meters) above sea level.

The lighthouse was designed by architect James H. Larkin and constructed using stone and iron.

Light Characteristics

• The Copper Harbor Front Range Light features a distinctive pair of lights that indicate a specific line of position when they are in line.
• The higher rear light is placed behind the front light.
• When mariners see the lights vertically in line, they are on the range line.
• If the front light appears left of the rear light, the observer is to the right of the range line; if the front appears to the right of the rear, the observer is left of the range line.

Current Status

The Copper Harbor Front Range Light is no longer an active aid to navigation and has been automated.

It is currently operated as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's maritime history.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is located on US-41 in Grant Township, Michigan.

Visitors can access the light by car or on foot via a short walkway from the parking area.

Heritage Status

The Copper Harbor Front Range Light is considered an iconic landmark and has been the subject of memorabilia.

Its historical significance has earned it recognition as a notable example of 19th-century lighthouse architecture in Michigan.

Notable Historical Events

• While the Copper Harbor Light effectively illuminated the area of the harbor, it failed to guide mariners through the narrow opening of rocks at its entrance.
• This limitation highlights the challenges faced by early mariners navigating the region's treacherous coastline.

Notable Historical Events Continued

• The Copper Harbor Light effectively illuminated the area of the harbor but failed to guide mariners through the narrow opening of rocks at its entrance.
• This limitation highlights the challenges faced by early mariners navigating the region's treacherous coastline.