Au Sable Point Lighthouse
(Continued) "Even with Whitefish Point Lighthouse built in 1849 and Grand Island North Lighthouse built in 1856, 80 miles of coastline remained in the dark. Wrecks continued to occur.
Congress appropriated funds in 1872 after a long struggle, acquiring the state-owned property was relatively easy. Construction soon began on the three-story light keepers quarters. The tower, which rose to a completed 86 feet, was attached to the dwelling by a covered walkway. The light source was provided by a fixed white third order Fresnel lens. With the stations position on a bluff above Lake Superior, the focal plane of the light was 108 feet. The light was displayed for the first time in August 1874. A brick fog signal building, equipped with twin 10-inch steam whistles, was completed in 1897.
Three families lived in the original dwelling until a second dwelling was built in 1909. Once built, the original dwelling was converted to a duplex. In August 1913, an oil vapor system was installed at the light. In 1928, the steam whistles were replaced by a pair of Type F diaphones. The lighthouse was automated in 1958, since electricity was supplied by diesel powered generators. The Fresnel lens was removed and a battery powered optic was installed. The station was closed the Coast Guard took control of the property.
Today, the National Park Service is continuing to renovate the station and provides a museum for visitors."
Congress appropriated funds in 1872 after a long struggle, acquiring the state-owned property was relatively easy. Construction soon began on the three-story light keepers quarters. The tower, which rose to a completed 86 feet, was attached to the dwelling by a covered walkway. The light source was provided by a fixed white third order Fresnel lens. With the stations position on a bluff above Lake Superior, the focal plane of the light was 108 feet. The light was displayed for the first time in August 1874. A brick fog signal building, equipped with twin 10-inch steam whistles, was completed in 1897.
Three families lived in the original dwelling until a second dwelling was built in 1909. Once built, the original dwelling was converted to a duplex. In August 1913, an oil vapor system was installed at the light. In 1928, the steam whistles were replaced by a pair of Type F diaphones. The lighthouse was automated in 1958, since electricity was supplied by diesel powered generators. The Fresnel lens was removed and a battery powered optic was installed. The station was closed the Coast Guard took control of the property.
Today, the National Park Service is continuing to renovate the station and provides a museum for visitors."