Granite Island Lighthouse

The Granite Island Lighthouse was built on Granite Island in 1868 by the U.S. Lighthouse Board and commissioned in 1869.

This lighthouse was constructed to serve as a vital aid to navigation for the busy shipping lanes of the mid-19th century.

Architecture

The lighthouse keeper's dwelling and the square tower attached to it are built of cut stone with white limestone decorations on the corners and windows.

The 11⁄2-story dwelling shares its design with other lighthouses found on Gull Rock and Huron Islands Lighthouse, as well as the Marquette Harbor Light.

The existing Fog Signal Building was constructed in 1910 to replace the one originally built in 1879.

It is made of structural steel and serves as a bell tower.

The fog bell that was once housed here was removed in 1939.

Light Characteristics

Aids to navigation at Granite Island Lighthouse included a 4th order Fresnel lens and a fog bell tower.

At one time, the lighthouse emitted a red flash every 90 seconds.

However, no further information is available on this topic.

Current Status

The facility was automated in 1937, and the living quarters were abandoned at that time.

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its status as a museum or historical site is not clear.

Location and Accessibility

The Granite Island Lighthouse is located on Granite Island in Marquette Township, Marquette County, Michigan, United States.

The exact coordinates of the location are 46.720739011111114, -87.41210128888889.

Heritage Status

Granite Island Lighthouse has been designated as a historic site due to its significance in maritime history and its well-preserved architecture.

Notable Historical Events

The Granite Island Lighthouse played an important role in the maritime history of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, serving as a vital aid to navigation for generations of mariners.