Poe Reef Light

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Poe Reef Light
The light in 2001
Location:	Lake Huron, Michigan
Coordinates WGS-84 (GPS)	45°41′13.19″N 84°26′37.19″W / 45.6869972, -84.4436639
Year first constructed:	1927
Year first lit:	1929
Automated:	1974
Foundation:	Concrete crib
Construction:	Concrete
Tower shape:	Square
Original lens:	Third order Fresnel Lens

Poe Reef has historically caused problems for shipping. The reef is located at the northern end of Lake Huron where it is necessary for boats heading to Chicago to pass through a narrow strait and still avoid shallow water. The most common path for powered vessels is to go south of Bois Blanc Island (Michigan). The water at the reef is only 8 feet deep and there's nothing in the vicinity for boats to easily use that would tell them to avoid the area.

Many attempts were made to position a lightship here^[1] but those all failed. The decision was made by the United States Lighthouse Service in 1926 to construct a permanent light here. That work was completed in 1928.

In this channel, the Poe Reef lighthouse marks the northern end of the safe channel and the Fourteen Foot Shoal Light marks the southern side of the channel.

This station was designed so that the crew stationed here could also remotely operate the Fourteen Foot Shoal Light^[2]. At this time, both lights are automated.

The reef and light are named for Orlando Poe.