White Shoal Lighthouse

The White Shoal Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on White Shoal Island in Lake Michigan, United States.

History

• The lighthouse has a long and storied history dating back to its construction in 1859.
• During World War II, the White Shoal Lighthouse played an important role in the war effort, serving as a navigation aid for ships traveling through Lake Michigan.
• The lighthouse also served as a refuge for sailors during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, which claimed several lives and destroyed numerous vessels.

Architecture

The White Shoal Lighthouse is a classic example of a 19th-century lighthouse design, with a tall, cylindrical tower supporting a lantern room at the top.

• The tower stands at an impressive height of 50 feet (15 meters) above the lake's surface, and its focal height reaches 95 feet (29 meters).

Light Characteristics

The White Shoal Lighthouse features a distinctive rotating light that can be seen for miles across Lake Michigan.

• The light is powered by an oil-based lantern room, which rotates every 10 seconds to display a fixed pattern of red and white lights.
• The range of the lighthouse's light is approximately 15 nautical miles (28 kilometers).

Current Status

The White Shoal Lighthouse has been automated since its decommissioning in the 1970s.

• While it is no longer an active aid to navigation, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist destination and is currently operated as a museum.

Location and Accessibility

The White Shoal Lighthouse is located on White Shoal Island in Lake Michigan, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of St. Joseph, Michigan.

• The lighthouse can be accessed via a short walkway from the island's shore, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Heritage Status

The White Shoal Lighthouse has been designated as a historic landmark by the State of Michigan and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the White Shoal Lighthouse played an important role in the war effort, serving as a navigation aid for ships traveling through Lake Michigan.
• The lighthouse also served as a refuge for sailors during the Great Lakes Storm of 1913, which claimed several lives and destroyed numerous vessels.

Coordinates: 45.8416833° N, 85.1356667° W