Eagle Harbor Light

The Eagle Harbor Light is a historic lighthouse located on Lighthouse Road in Eagle Harbor Township, Michigan.

History

• The light was built to serve as a navigational aid for mariners entering Eagle Harbor, which is situated at the southern end of Lake Michigan.
• Construction of the lighthouse began in 1858 and was completed in 1860.
• The tower stands at a height of 36 feet (11 meters) above the surrounding terrain, with a focal height of approximately 100 feet (30 meters).
• The light source is believed to have been an oil-fired lamp, although the exact type is not specified.

Architecture

The Eagle Harbor Light is a classic example of a mid-19th-century lighthouse.

• The tower is constructed from local limestone and features a distinctive square base with a tapering section rising to the top.
• The lantern room is located at the top of the tower and contains a Fresnel lens that was used to focus the light beam.

Light Characteristics

The Eagle Harbor Light emits a fixed red light that can be seen from a distance of approximately 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

• The light pattern is not specified, but it is believed to have been a rotating beam in the past.

Current Status

The Eagle Harbor Light is currently maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.

• Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from Lighthouse Road.

Location and Accessibility

The Eagle Harbor Light is located on Lighthouse Road, which is accessible via US Highway 2.

• The nearest town is Eagle Harbor Township, which has a population of approximately 1,000 residents.
• There are no public parking facilities near the lighthouse, but visitors can park at the nearby Eagle Harbor Township Hall.

Heritage Status

The Eagle Harbor Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984 and is considered to be one of the most historic lighthouses in Michigan.

Notable Historical Events

• The Eagle Harbor Light has played an important role in maritime history, particularly during World War II.
• In 1942, the light was used as a navigation aid for Allied ships entering Lake Michigan from the Great Lakes.
• The light also served as a reference point for rescue operations after several shipwrecks occurred in the area.

Wikidata Properties

• ID: Q5325104
• NRHP Reference Number: 84001745