Big Bay Point Light
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 Big Bay Point Light |
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| Location: | Big Bay, Michigan |
|---|---|
| Construction: | Brick |
| Year first lit: | 1896 |
| Deactivated: | 1961 |
| Automated: | 1945 |
| Tower shape: | Square |
| Height: | 105 ft |
| Original lens: | Third order Fresnel lens |
The Big Bay Point Light stands on a rocky point halfway between Marquette and the Keweenaw Portage Entry. The establishment of a station at Big Bay Point was recommended to the Lighthouse board in 1882 as follows: "The point occupies a position midway between Granite Island and Huron Islands, the distance in each case being 15 to 18 miles. These two lights are invisible from each other and the intervening stretch is unlighted. A light and fog signal would be a protection to steamers passing between these points. Quite a number of vessels have in past years been wrecked on Big Bay Point" [1].
The light was built in 1896, automated in 1945 and sold in 1961. The keepers house consists of 18 rooms in a 52' x 52' two story brick building. The attached tower is tall enough to make the light 105' above Lake Superior. Originally, this housed the keeper (and his family) and an assistant keeper with family as well. As the country moved to 8 hour shifts, a frame building with outhouse was built at the bottom of the hill for a second assistant keeper.
At the time this light was built, and for much of its life, the only transportation to get the keepers from "civilization" to the light was by water. Those who worked here were truly isolated. The keepers' wives not only had to do the usual housekeeping and food preparation, but also schooling of any children in residence.
At this time, Big Bay Point Light is a Bed and Breakfast (details here). It's about an hour due north of Marquette Michigan located on a point of land off of Lake Superior.
