The original Presque Isle Lighthouse was a smaller light built in 1840 at the entrance of the Presque Isle Harbor, about a mile to the south. In 1868, due to deteriorating conditions of the keeper's house at the 1840 structure, new plans were drawn to rebuild the keeper's house. However, the plans were never used and the decision was made to build a taller coastal light at the northern point of the peninsula.
In July, 1870, Orlando M. Poe (the project engineer) wrote a
letter to
Rear Admiral Shubrick, Poe stated...Estimate
amounting to $35,494.52 for lighthouse and
keepers dwelling.. ..Previously
an appropriation for re-building the
Keepers dwelling (at the 1840 site) amounted to $7,500.00 - out of that
appropriation, the brick required for the new structure, has been
purchased and delivered upon the ground... .Additional appropriation
for this project is now pending before Congress amounting to
$28,000.00
+ 7,500.00
$35,500.00
The estimate submitted covers the cost of the building, but not the Fresnel lens.
During July, 1870, Congress appropriated the required additional $28,000.00 to construct the new lighthouse in Presque Isle, Michigan. This was the third Great Lakes tower built from the same plans; Skilligallee and Grand Point Au Sable being the first two. (Skilligallee has since been rebuilt) The 3rd order Fresnel lens was ordered.
Also, in July, 1870, Poe wrote a letter requesting "The Steam Barge Mannington to tow 2 scows to bring everything required for construction."
Construction of the Presque Isle Light was completed and the new light exhibited at the beginning of the shipping season in 1871.
On August 21, 1871, Poe returned $700.35, the unexpended balance of appropriations for the lighthouse.
STRUCTURE DETAILS
The conical brick tower stands 113 feet in height from the base to the ventilator ball of the lantern. The light produced a lens focal plane of 123 feet above the mean low water level of Lake Huron. It is the tallest lighthouse accessible by the public on the Great Lakes. It has a diameter of 19 feet 3 inches at the base and 12 feet 4 inches at the parapet and is surmounted by a round iron watch room and a ten-sided cast iron lantern. The foundation is limestone, 9 feet 8 inches below ground level. At the base of the tower, there is an outer wall 24 inches thick, an air space of 31 inches, and an inner wall 12 inches thick. At the parapet, the outer wall is 16 inches thick, the air space is 4 inches, and the inner wall is 8 inches thick. Within the tower, is a spiral iron stairway with pipe railing, 138 steps and 6 landings. The tower has eight windows. There is a rectangular two story brick Keeper's House connected to the tower by an enclosed 16 foot walkway. It has a gabled slate roof and measures 24 feet by 28 feet.
FRESNEL LENS
The Third Order Fresnel lens was made by Henre LePaute of Paris. The beacon from the lens could be seen for more than 25 miles and was in operation for 132 years. It was removed on May 13, 2003 by the U.S. Coast Guard because the lens was in need of repair. The Township has since completed restoration of the lens and is planning to install the lens back in the lantern room this summer.
FOG SIGNAL
In 1890, a steam operated fog signal, manufactured by Variety Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio, was installed at the northern most point of the peninsula.
1902-1903 The care of the steam fog signal makes the presence of an assistant keeper necessary. Estimated cost $5,000.00.
In 1904 the fog signal building was remodeled. The building was demolished circa September, 1968
In 1898, the tramway on the point was extended an additional 120 feet out to the boat landing. The tramway was rebuilt in 1900, and used until the 1930's; it was removed in the late 1930's and replaced with roadways.
In 1939 the U.S. Coast Guard took over operation of the light
During 1940-1952, modernization of the 1870 lighthouse residence took place. Electricity and plumbing were installed.
In 1958, the cistern house constructed in 1898, adjacent to the brick oil house, was demolished.
In 1960, a five bay garage with a workshop and office was built to replace a small log bam from 1870.
In June, 1961, the brick oil house constructed in 1871 adjacent to the keeper's house was demolished.
In 1970, the U.S Coast Guard automated the light and the Light Station was left unmanned for the first time in 100 years.
In 1973, the grounds and structures were leased to Presque Isle Township and used as a park.
In 1988-89, the tower was re-bricked and restored to its original appearance at a cost of $99,000.00.
On July 6, 1991, the State Historical marker for the 1870 Lighthouse was formally dedicated.
On June 16, 1998, the property (99 acres) and the structures were deeded to Presque Isle Township from the Bureau of Land Management. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to own the Fresnel lens.
There is presently a bill in Congress to transfer ownership of the Fresnel lens from the U. S. Coast Guard to Presque Isle Township.
