Harbor Beach Light

The Harbor Beach Light is a historic lighthouse located at the end of the north breakwall entrance to the harbor of refuge on Lake Huron.

History

• The Harbor Beach Lighthouse was constructed in 1858 and has been guiding mariners safely into the harbor ever since. The light played a crucial role in the development of Harbor Beach, Michigan, which is now the largest man-made freshwater harbor in the world.
• The breakwall and light were created by the United States Army Corps of Engineers to protect the harbor from the harsh Lake Huron waters.

Architecture

The Harbor Beach Light is a sparkplug lighthouse, characterized by its distinctive rotating light at the top of the tower. The structure stands 16 meters (52 feet) tall and features a white light that can be seen for up to 6 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

The Harbor Beach Light emits a white light that can be seen from a distance of up to 6 nautical miles. The light's period is 06, indicating it burns for 6 minutes and then goes dark for 6 minutes.

Current Status

The Harbor Beach Light is currently an active aid to navigation, operated by the City of Harbor Beach. While it remains in operation, its status as a working lighthouse has not been officially recognized by any national or international authority.

Location and Accessibility

The Harbor Beach Light is located at Resort Road, Harbor Beach, Michigan, on the eastern edge of Huron County's Thumb region. The light can be accessed via a short walkway from the parking area.

Heritage Status

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse has been designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) since 1983, with reference number 83000850. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and appears on the National Park Service's list of historic landmarks.

Notable Historical Events

While no specific notable events are recorded for the Harbor Beach Light, its construction in 1858 marked an important milestone in the development of Harbor Beach as a major freshwater harbor.

Strong Emphasis on Important Terms:

The Harbor Beach Lighthouse is a crucial aid to navigation for mariners entering the harbor. The light's operation has been recognized by national authorities, but its status as a working lighthouse remains unconfirmed.