|
|
Point Iroquois Michigan
Harbour Lights #270
At the center of activity, a historic structure brought a community together. It saved the lives of numerous sailors. It marked the way for frequent, lumbering freighters passing silently by. It served as a home for families. Point Iroquois Lighthouse is all this and more.
Standing on the site of a famous Indian battleground, Point Iroquois marks the entrance to the St. Mary’s River and guides vessels in and out of the Soo Locks. Completed in 1855 , the St. Mary’s Falls Canal (Soo Locks) connected Lake Superior to the lower lakes. Ships carrying copper and iron ore from the ranges of Lake Superior could now transport their cargo to steel plants. An entire industry depended on the presence of a lighthouse at Point Iroquois.
The first, simple sentinel erected by the Lighthouse Board in 1855 was built of wood and sported a small, sixth-order lens. But with the harsh winters, the diminutive lighthouse faltered and mariners complained about the insufficient help the beacon provided. In 1871 , a 65-foot conical brick tower replaced the ineffective structure and a brighter Fourth-order lens marked the passage more clearly for passing ships.
The light tower was connected to the two-story brick Keeper’s Quarters by a short enclosed passageway. Because the beacon was so important and needed constant upkeep, additional help was needed to keep the light burning through the night. The fuel oil in the lamp had to be replaced every four hours and the wicks needed trimming regularly. The glass Fresnel lens needed cleaning daily due to the collection of soot from the lantern’s flame. It was evident that one Lightkeeper would not be enough.
By 1908 , the station was manned by a head keeper and two assistants. Their families fished for herring in the icy waters and worked a small farm complete with cows, chickens and a garden. The lush forests provided berries, game and waterfowl to hunt.
In a manner, the light station became its own self-sustaining community. The government sponsored a teacher and schoolhouse onsite, providing education for the local fishermen’s children too. So the point became a meeting place for local residents and the center of activity.
As technology improved, the need for Point Iroquois Lighthouse lessened. Buoys now guide ships in the area. Deactivated in 1971 , the lens was removed and sent to the Smithsonian Institution. The U.S. Coast Guard turned the station over to the United States Forest Service, making it a part of the Hiawatha National Forest.
Today, the Keeper’s Quarters serve as a Museum where you can view the artifacts of life at the station from earlier times. You can even climb the 72 steps to the top of the tower for a picturesque view of Lake Superior.
|
HL# |
Name |
MSRP |
Introduced |
Retired |
Edition |
|
270 |
Point Iroquois MI |
$68 |
Jan 02 |
|
6,500 |
|
