Lightship #103 WAL-526 was launched May 1,1920, at the cost of $147,428. After going through trials it was accepted by the U.S. Lighthouse Service and was ready for duty in the spring of 1921. It served as a Relief lightship on Lake Michigan stations and also served on stations on Lake Superior.

In 1936 Lightship #103 WAL 526 was assigned permanently to the Huron station, marking the shoals near the mouth of Lake Huron, where she remained for 34 years until her retirement in 1970. The HURON was the only lightship painted black. The reason is believed to be related to it's position in the shipping channel.

On August 20, 1970 the anchor was raised for the last time as she departed the station signifying the end of the lightship era on the Great Lakes. A lighted buoy replaced the lightship. Decommissioned at Detroit on August 25 the lightship was transferred to the City of Port Huron on June 5 1971.

The final voyage of the HURON was assisted by a tug as it was moved to the inside of a special sea wall constructed along the water's edge in Pine Grove Park on August 29, 1972. The sea wall was then completed and the space filled in, giving the HURON a permanent spot along the shore of the St. Clair River, in view up the lake of her last station.

The lightship was dedicated as a historical monument and exhibit on October 4, 1974  Today, many of the old time lake freighters toot a greeting to the HURON, especially when there are visitors aboard.

The ship is open for tours and is operated by the Port Huron Museum.

Researched & Prepared by Hal Dean