Lighting the Way: A History of the Copper Harbor Lighthouse

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In addition to the main 1849 Copper Harbor Lighthouse, the Copper Harbor Front Range and Rear Range Lights, both completed in 1869, remain and are locally considered to be iconic, as well as being the subject of memorabilia. The purpose of the Copper Harbor Range Lights was to do what the main lighthouse could not; it guided vessels and their sailors past the hazardous reefs on either side of the waterway. [41] [22] Copper Harbor, Michigan is a truly unique and special place. With its breathtaking scenery, abundant outdoor activities, and rich history, Copper Harbor is the perfect place to visit for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation.

In 1927, a white steel tower replaced the front range light, which had been constructed from wood. In 1964, a skeletal tower was erected for the rear range light. Copper Harbor Lighthouse was discontinued following the 1883 navigation season, as the Lighthouse Board felt that the range lights, established in the harbor in 1865, were all mariners needed. The lighting apparatus was removed from the lighthouse, and the keeper of the range lights was assigned to look after the property. Eagle Harbor Lighthouseis the only lighthouse open to the public for tours, but many can still be admired from outside. Noah's Ark Charters also leads boat tours to see the Copper Harbor Lighthouse. Rowlett, Russ. "Lighthouses of the United States: Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula". The Lighthouse Directory. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.In relation to other communities in the Keweenaw, Copper Harbor is located 9 miles (14.5km) from Mandan, 12 miles (19.3km) north of Delaware, and 16 miles (25.7km) east of Eagle Harbor. The village of Ahmeek is the nearest incorporated community at 30 miles (48.3km) to the southwest. [6] [9] [21] [22] [23] Climate [ edit ]

Annual Festivals Keweenaw Michigan". Keweenaw Convention & Visitor’s Bureau . Retrieved May 20, 2019. Despite these improvements, the light apparatus still failed to meet up with expectation and in 1835 a new lamp was fitted. Ship owners still complained the light was inadequate but it was not upgraded. Range Lighthouse: The 1868 Copper Harbor Range Lighthouse is shown prior to the start of restoration efforts, which are ongoing. Built in 1841, Whitefish Point Lighthouse was one of the first lighthouses built on Lake Superior and the oldest active light on its shores. Its skeletal structure and looming height of around 80 feet makes it instantly recognizable and unique when compared to more traditional lighthouse designs.Hunter's Point is the name of a non-hilly point, running out from the west into Lake Superior. It was named for an early settler of the area named Hunter who owned a tract of land on what is now Hunter's Point. He is buried in the Fort Wilkins Cemetery. Today, Hunter's Island is a Grant Township park, hosting a wide variety of both flora and fauna alike. It is also a well-known stop for migratory birds. [27] [6] A few years later, the Central Mine, Cliff Mine, and others were opened and became successful. [12] [11] [13] [6] [9] However, by 1870 the copper resources in the community had been largely worked out. [10] [6]