 Grand Island East Channel light in 2009 | |
 | |
| Location | Grand Island, Alger County, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 46°27.01′N86°37.345′W / 46.45017°N 86.622417°W |
| Tower | |
| Foundation | Brick |
| Construction | Wood frame |
| Height | 45 feet (14 m) [1] |
| Shape | square tower, decagonal lantern, affixed to "schoolhouse" style keeper's residence. |
| Markings | White |
| Heritage | National Register of Historic Places listed place  |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1868 [2] |
| Deactivated | 1908 |
| Lens | Oil-fired steamer Fifth order Fresnel [3] |
| Range | 11.51 nautical miles; 21.32 kilometres (13.25 mi) [3] |
| Characteristic | Fixed white [1] |
Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse | |
| MPS | Historic Engineering and Industrial Sites in Michigan TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80004835 [4] |
| Added to NRHP | August 29, 1980 |
The Grand Island East Channel Light is a lighthouse located just north of Munising, Michigan and was intended to lead boats from Lake Superior through the channel east of Grand Island into the Munising Harbor. Constructed of wood, the light first opened for service in 1868. The light was very hard to see from Lake Superior, and light maintenance was very difficult so the Munising Range Lights were constructed (Munising Rear Range Light, Munising Front Range Light) and this light was removed from service in 1908 [1] or 1913 [5] [6] (sources vary).
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The lighthouse was severely neglected, and was in danger of being washed away due to erosion. [7] The Grand Island East Channel Lighthouse Rescue Committee was officially formed. Private fund raising was undertaken. [8] Restoration efforts (albeit in "rustic form" not pristine as it was in service) were undertaken. [9] The theory for the lack of paint is that it is more picturesque and attractive to tourists and passing photographers. [10]
As two commentators, lamenting the possible loss of this unique light station, noted in Lighthouse Digest : [9]
It is seen and photographed by thousands of tourists via the Picture Rocks Cruises and Grand Island Charters Glass Bottom Boat tours which make it their first stop on their numerous tours. It appears on sweatshirts, tee-shirts, coffee mugs, post cards, advertisements, and calendars. It is positively one of Michigan's most recognizable landmarks. . . .
In 2000, 85 volunteers worked steadily for thirty days, and completed 75% of a 300-foot-long (91 m) seawall to protect the light. [11] In 2000, the light has been restored and the wall completed. [10] [12]
It is part of a listing on the National Register of Historic Places, Reference #80004835. Name of Listing: HISTORIC ENGINEERING & INDUSTRIAL SITES IN MICHIGAN TR. It is not listed on the state registry. [13]
