Year first constructed 1935 Automated 1980 Tower shape Square on square house Opened 1935 Construction Steel Added to NRHP 6 September 2005 | Year first lit 1935 Foundation Concrete crib Height 19 m Focal height 24 m Material Steel | |
 | ||
Location Southeast of North Manitou Island in Leland Township, Michigan Similar White Shoal Light, Minneapolis Shoal Light Station, Grays Reef Light, Lansing Shoals Light Stati, St Martin Island Light | ||
A visit to north manitou shoal light station
The North Manitou Shoal Light, also known as the North Manitou Light, is a lighthouse located in Lake Michigan, southeast of North Manitou Island in Leland Township, Michigan. When it was automated in 1980, it was the last manned offshore light in the Great Lakes. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
Contents
History
In 1907, the Lighthouse Board recommended that the shoal north of North Manitou Island be marked with a lightship. In 1910, Lightship No. 56 was stationed at the site, and continued there until 1927, when it was replaced by Lightship No. 89. In 1934, Lightship No. 103 was transferred to the location, and stayed until the permanent structure was built the next year.
In 1923, the Lighthouse Board first proposed replacing the lightships with a permanent station. However, funds were not allocated for the purpose until 1933, when they were made available through the Public Works Administration. In 1935, the permanent steel light station was constructed on the shoal in 26 feet (7.9 m) of water. The station was originally manned by a three-man crew, but in 1980 the light was automated, and the original Fresnel lens replaced.
Description
The North Manitou Shoal Light Station is a white square steel structure atop a concrete crib. The crib measures 65 feet (20 m) on a side, and supports a 62 feet (19 m) square superstructure rising 20 feet (6.1 m) above the water. A two-story steel building 37 feet (11 m) square, containing diesel generators and living quarters, sits atop the superstructure, and a three-story steel tower containing the light caps the whole. The steel portion is 63 feet (19 m) tall and the light is positioned 79 feet (24 m) above the water.