Bete Grise Light

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Bete Grise Light, sometimes referred to as the Mendota light was built here to facilitate travel between Lake Superior and Lac La Belle (there being an artificial cut having been made to connect the two). The original plans were laid in 1867 and the lightwas constructed in 1869. Only 1 year later, the lightwas decommissioned as it was found by the navigators to be of no assistance (nor was there any other commercial reason to make this trip). [1]

The tower was removed and taken to Marquette, but the keepers house remained in place. In 1892, ships tried to use this bay for a safe harbor during a storm and observing the house (at this point deserted), suggested that the harbor would be easier to find if there was a lightpresent. By 1895, funds had been allocated to re-establish the light, but it was determined that the existing structure had deteriorated suffiently that it couldn't be used. A new structure was built using the original foundations.[2]

In 1933 the lightwas automated and in 1956 it was decommissioned. It was a private residence until 1996 but was sold to a person willing to conserve the light. The original fourth order Fresnel lens was found, restored and in 1998 relit. Efforts are being made to maintain the light for the "next 100 years". [3]

To view the light, take a trip up US 41 in the Keewenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan to the town of Bete Grise, then go south till the road ends. You're on the wrong side of the river, but since the light is now a private home, this is the best place to see it from and not violate the owner's privacy.

The web site lighthousesRus has a map of all the lights in the area to learn more about this corner of the world.