Marquette Breakwater

Type:
Year Established:
1875
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Marquette Breakwater
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
Lake Superior
Latitude:
46 32'17"
Longitude:
87 22'44"
City / Town:
Marquette
U.S. State:
Michigan
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1867 -1875: The breakwater was constructed during this time frame.

  • 1875: Once the breakwater was completed, a wooden tower containing a light was placed on the end. This tower was originally used at Mendota and was moved here from there.

  • 1886: A storm washed away the light along with much of the catwalk above the breakwater. The tower ended up on the beach. It was then repaired and placed back in service.

  • 1890: A new, longer breakwater built. This breakwater contained a tunnel to give the keeper a safer means of access to the light tower. A new tower was built and the light apparatus was changed to a 6th order lens.

  • 1898: An electric cable was run to the light tower. It was among the first towers on the Great Lakes to be electrified. Whenever a power outage occurred, the keeper had to go back to using the old kerosene lamp.

  • 1908: The breakwater was extended again and a new tower was placed at the end.

  • 1985: Coast Guard discontinued the breakwater light. The lens and lantern are on display at Marquette Maritime Museum.

Entered by:
tomtag
Entered Date:
Feb 27, 2018