Grand Haven Michigan
Harbour Lights #450
Lighted
Perhaps the most
recognizable of all Michigan lights, the Grand Haven South Pier Light,
known as the Grand River Light, was first established in 1839 at the south
side of the mouth of the Grand River in Grand Haven, Michigan. In 1855,
the light was relocated to a bluff east of the shore. Twenty years later
the fog signal building was constructed at the end of the south pier,
using some of the materials from the 1855 structure.
Finally in 1905, the south
pier was extended, the fog signal building was moved to the end and the
current tower light was constructed. The 51 foot-high red conical steel
plated tower, officially referred to as the “South Pier Inner Light,” was
built atop a concrete breakwater. The 36 foot-high fog signal building was
originally constructed of cast iron over a wood frame. Equipped with a
huge diaphone foghorn, the outer light signaled both a warning and
reassurance of approaching land to many a weary mariner. Both inner and
outer lights were fitted with Sixth Order Fresnel Lenses.
In 1922, the fog signal
building was sheathed in iron in an effort to preserve the building from
the unforgiving elements of Lake Michigan. An elevated catwalk was added
to enable the keeper to safely navigate the 100 feet from the small tower
to the inner lighthouse, and to the shore
Both lights were automated
in 1969. Maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, the sentinels are still
active aids to navigate vessels along Lake Michigan. The buildings are not
open to the public, but the concrete breakwater provides a wonderful
setting for walking, fishing and enjoying the beauty of Grand Haven
Harbor.
|
HL# |
Name |
MSRP |
Introduced |
Retired |
Edition |
|
450 |
Grand Haven MI |
$65 |
6/04 |
|
Open |
|
