Whitefish Point Light Restoration
The Whitefish Point "iron-pile" lighthouse was constructed to replace Whitefish Point's original stone tower which existed from 1849 until 1860 - the severe winds experienced here proved too much for its basic masonry construction.
The U.S. Lighthouse Service successfully passed a bill through Congress in 1860 that allowed for the construction of many new lighthouses, including three on Lake Superior to light the way for the copper and iron ore trade. Lighthouses identical to Whitefish Point were built at Manitou Island and at DeTour, Michigan.
An Ohio contractor followed the exact specifications of the Lighthouse Board, commencing his work on the light during President Lincoln's administration in 1861. This lighthouse is strictly built of iron and copper - steel was too new to be trusted. The "piles" that have held it firmly against hurricane-force winds for so very long are not hollow pipes - they are heavy, steel, cylinders, designed to distribute forces against the tower evenly to its foundation. The designers of the tower would be astonished to know how long it has continued to function in its original purpose.
The tower has had a series of lenses illuminated by a variety of methods. Its current light is a 1968 Crouse & Hinds aerobeacon; the lens immediately preceding was a third and a half order half-bivalve Fresnel lens that functioned from 1895 to 1968. Commercial electrical service did not arrive at Whitefish Point until 1939.
The Shipwreck Museum is currently seeking private contributions to complete light tower restoration, to match funding from the Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program. Phase I of this two-phase project was completed in December, 2009. Phase I finished all restoration work from the top of the lantern room roof down to the bottom of the watch deck. Phase II, which will be more expensive, will restore the remainder of this historic tower downward including its foundation. Phase II is expected to commence during the summer of 2011, depending on funding.
To watch a video about light tower restoration, produced in August 2010 by Shipwreck Society Board Member Corey Adkins, please click on tower restoration video.
Individual steps of the spiral staircase inside the light tower cylinder may be purchased for $250 each for donors to name an honoree, themselves, or someone as a memorial. Please see contact information if you are interested.
To make an online contribution to the Light Tower Restoration Project right now, simply click Online Donations.
