Toledo Harbor Light

The Toledo Harbor Light is a historic lighthouse located on an artificial island in Lake Erie, near Toledo, Ohio, United States.

History

• Construction of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse began in 1901 and was completed in 1904 at a cost of $152,000. The lighthouse replaced the earlier 1837 lighthouse on Turtle Island at the mouth of the Maumee River.
• The need for a new lighthouse arose after the shipping channel was widened and deepened in 1897, leading to an increase in shipping traffic.
• The lighthouse was designed by Engineer Col. Orlando M. Poe, who had developed a method for constructing crib foundations on the Great Lakes.

The first light was illuminated on May 23, 1904, using a 3½-order Fresnel lens.

Architecture

• The Toledo Harbor Lighthouse is a three-story dwelling with a steel frame, built on a 20-foot-deep stone crib.
• The structure rises 69 feet (21 m) above the lake and features a cylindrical tower with a diameter of 13 feet.
• The lantern room measures 8.5 feet (2.6 m) in diameter and is topped by an onion-domed glass panes.

The lighthouse was designed to withstand harsh Great Lakes weather conditions, with a unique design that incorporates a steel frame for stability.

The structure has been modified over the years, including the installation of solar panels and backup batteries.

Location

The Toledo Harbor Lighthouse is located on an artificial island in Lake Erie, 8.4 miles (13.5 km) from the mouth of the Maumee River.

It sits about 7 miles (11 km) north of Maumee Bay State Park.

The lighthouse is accessible by boat or via a nearby dock.

Current Status

The Toledo Harbor Lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, with the U.S. Coast Guard maintaining ownership and operation of the site.

The light was automated in 1965 and powered by solar cells.

In 2006, the Secretary of the Interior approved the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society's application for ownership.

Heritage Status

The Toledo Harbor Light is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #83002005.

It was designated as a historic landmark due to its architectural significance and role in maritime navigation.

Notable Historical Events

• 1904: The first light is illuminated using a 3½-order Fresnel lens.
• 1965: Human keepers are replaced by electric motors to rotate the lens, and the lighthouse is fortified to protect it from vandalism.
• 2006: The Secretary of the Interior approves the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse Preservation Society's application for ownership.

The Toledo Harbor Light has played a significant role in maritime navigation and has been recognized as an important cultural and historical landmark.

Its unique architecture and rich history make it a fascinating destination for visitors interested in lighthouses and Great Lakes history.