Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse

Opposite the turning point for ships making the difficult passage through the Straits of Mackinac, one of the busiest crossroads of the Great Lakes, this light served vessels where McGulpin's Point light, established two miles west in 1856, was not visible from all directions. In 1889 Congress appropriated funds for construction of a steam-powered fog signal here, and it went into operation on November 5, 1890. Construction of the light tower and attached lightkeeper's dwelling followed, and the light was first displayed on October 25, 1892. Built with heavy iron and brass castings throughout the structure, the light was visible to ships sixteen miles away. It remained in operation until 1958 and is now a maritime museum.

Mackinaw City, Michigan · United States