Point Betsie

Type:
Year Established:
1858
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Point Betsie MI
Download:
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2007
Photo Credit:
Chad Kaiser
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
NEAR CRYSTAL LAKE ON LAKE MICHIGAN
Latitude:
44° 41'33"
Longitude:
86° 15'18"
City / Town:
FRANKFORT
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
BENZIE
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Open to Public:
No
Light List Data:
  1. Point Betsie
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1858
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK
Tower Foundation:
CONCRETE
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
53 FT ABOVE WATER
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
34 FT
Tower Shape:
CYLINDRICAL
Fog Signal Building?:
Yes
Fog Signal Bldg Construction Materials:
CORRUGATED STEEL
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1858
Keeper's Quarters Style:
HIP ROOF
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK
Other Structures:
OIL HOUSE, 2 STORAGE BUILDINGS

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Original Optic Type:
FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed:
1858
Private Aid:
No
Year Automated:
1983
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1858: Construction was supposed to begin on the Point Betsie Lighthouse in 1854 but was not completed until 1858, costing $5000. The 37-foot Cream City brick tower was fitted with a white 4th order Fresnel lens. A two-story keeper’s dwelling was attached to the tower with a covered passage way. Almost immediately erosion began at or near the light station.
  • 1890: Erosion was once again a problem along with moisture in the tower. This time a ring of concrete was inserted under the tower. A curved revetment was constructed at the water’s edge to absorb the energy of the waves crashing into the shore.
  • 1891: A fog signal building was added to the station.
  • 1892: The light pattern was changed from a fixed white light to a flashing light with the addition of a new 4th order lens. An assistant keeper was assigned to the lighthouse. The keeper’s quarters were far too small for two keepers and their families. The house was enlarged to a duplex.
  • 1983: Point Betsie was the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes and was automated.
  • 1996: The Fresnel lens was removed and replaced with a modern optic.
  • 2004: Ownership of the light was transferred to Benzie County. The light remains an active aid to navigation.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017