In 1859 President Buchanan signed an order reserving Raspberry Island for the construction of what would later be known as the "Showplace of the Apostle Islands." In July of 1863, as our country was in the heat of the Civil War, the lighthouse was ready to enter service. The original building was a two-bedroom keeper’s quarters with an attached shed housing a simple kitchen.

The work of maintaining the light was dangerous and hardly a one-man job. History records the contribution made by the wives of the early keepers. Annie Larsen, wife of Louis Larsen, was appointed assistant keeper and paid for her hard work. Their successors, Seth and Mary Snow had a similar arrangement. Keeper Francis Jacker left his wife and family at their home farm but soon discovered that the solitary labor was too much for him. He wrote, "Proper surveillance of the revolving apparatus during the long nights of the fall when frequent windings are required, is exhausting -- in case of an emergency, no assistance is available on the island."

His forebodings were not unfounded and in September of 1887 he became shipwrecked on nearby Oak Island. After 3 days, as his hopes of survival grew dim he spotted a small boat approaching. His wife had decided to surprise him with a visit. When she arrived at the lighthouse and discovered her husband missing, she organized a search. Shortly afterward Jacker hired his son, Edward to be his assistant keeper.

Shipping traffic on Lake Superior and modern technology has forced change upon the Raspberry Light. In 1903 a fog signal building was added followed by a complete remodeling of the structure in 1906. More recently Congress appropriated funds to construct a seawall at the base of the bluff, a project completed in July of 2003.

Harbour Lights has replicated the light as it stands today, in all its glory!