Located between Marquette County and Presque Isle on a rocky peninsula, this area was set to become a thriving shipping area for nautical traffic. Wherever there is nautical traffic, a lighthouse is always needed.

In early 1852 construction began on the new Marquette Lighthouse. The station became an active aid to navigation in June of 1853, just in time for the new navigation season to begin. There are speculations of what the first tower at Marquette looked like, however, no drawings of the building have surfaced. It did consist of a short rubble stone tower with seven Lewis lamps and a small keepers house attached.

In 1853 the Lighthouse Board began a system-wide upgrade of the nation’s aids to navigation. At this time the Lewis lamps were replaced by much-improved Fresnel lenses. Marquette was the proud recipient of a Sixth Order Fresnel Lens. It was visible for ten miles.

The beacon at Marquette was deteriorating quickly. In 1865 $13,000 was appropriated for the reconstruction of the lighthouse. This new structure was a brick 1 ½ story dwelling with a square tower. The lantern room received a fixed white Fourth Order Fresnel Lens. Because of the new location, being the highest point on the island, the new light boasted a focal plane of 70 feet above the lake and was visible at a distance of 16 miles on a clear day!

Staffing the lighthouse was a harder task than originally expected. By 1882, with only 29 years in operation, ten keepers had either been removed or resigned from service at Marquette.

In July of 1899 Marquette light was electrified under the direction of Thomas Miller. Because of the quality of electric power in those days, it was not smooth sailing for the Marquette keepers. Frequent blackouts kept them busy during long stormy nights. The entire station underwent a major upgrade that was completed in 1913. Responsibility for the lighthouse was transferred to the Coast Guard in 1939. The station was converted into a Coast Guard training spot.

In 2002 the Marquette Maritime Museum was given a 30-year lease on the lighthouse. The Museum, along with help from volunteers, has begun restoration of Marquette light and has already made amazing improvements to the structure. Restoration projects continue, as dedicated preservationists help to renovate an important part of our nations nautical heritage. Marquette is still an active aid to navigation. For more information contact the Marquette Maritime Museum at 906-226-2006.