Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Date: 02/28/2009
With its impressive impressive buff-colored brick walls, large square tower topped with battlements, and elegant fourth order Fresnel lens, this lighthouse-built in 1892-is a source for inspiration.
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Date: 02/28/2009
The completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 eliminated the need for the light. Since the Mackinac Bridge has lights on it at night, the bridge became a much better aid to navigation than the light.
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Through the Branches
Date: 02/28/2009
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 1969.
The Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse Through the Branches II
Date: 02/28/2009
This lighthouse is opposite the turning point for ships making the difficult passage through the Straits of Mackinac, one of the busiest crossroads of the Great Lakes.
Snowmobile Tracks around Lighthouse
Date: 02/28/2009
In 2000, serious restoration was undertaken, with the intent of restoring it to its appearance around 1910. The lighthouse is reopened to the public, and the castle-style structure, which design is unique in the Great Lakes was restored.
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
Date: 02/28/2009
The lighthouse is located within Michilimackinac State Park, just a few hundred feet east of the Mackinac Bridge and the Colonial Michilimackinac Visitors Center. At this time the light is a museum run by Mackinac Parks Commission
Mackinac Point Lighthouse with Flagpole
Date: 02/28/2009
In March 1891, Congress finally authorized the funding for a lightstation and the Board acted quickly. Bidding was difficult, but in 1892, "on a foundation of ashlar limestone, the tower and attached keeper’s dwelling were both constructed of Cream City brick, trimmed with Indiana Limestone. The double-walled cylindrical tower was laid with an outside diameter of 13 feet 4 inches, and as each course was added, rose to a height of 45 feet, surmounted by a circular iron gallery and an 8 foot 8 inch diameter watch room, which was in turn capped by a prefabricated octagonal iron lantern."[3] The lens is a fourth order Fresnel Lens.
