Transportation
New Presque Isle Light, built at Presque Isle on Lake Huron in 1870–1871, replaced an older nearby lighthouse and became a major aid to Great Lakes shipping. Designed by Major Orlando M. Poe, the tower featured strong double-wall construction, a 138-step spiral stair, and a third-order Fresnel lens from Paris that cast a steady light across the lake for freighters and passenger steamers. The station’s long history was closely tied to the Garraty family, who served as keepers for decades. Expanded with fog signals, new housing, and later modern systems, the light was automated in 1970 and remains one of the tallest Great Lakes lighthouses.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
Presque Isle Harbor, Michigan · United States
