Waugoshance

Type:
Year Established:
1851
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Waugoshance
Download:
File Type:
jpg (image/jpeg)
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
NW OF WAUGOSHANCE ISLAND/LAKE MICHIGAN
Latitude:
45° 47'15"
Longitude:
85° 05'31"
City / Town:
WAUGOSHANCE ISLAND
U.S. State:
Michigan
Location County:
EMMET
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

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

STRUCTURE

Year Discontinued:
1912
Year Tower Established:
1851
Tower Construction Material:
BRICK ENCASED W/IRON PLATE
Tower Foundation:
TIMBER CRIB FILLED W/STONE
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
74 FT ABOVE WATER
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
65 FT
Tower Shape:
CONICAL (ENCASED IN IRON IN 1883)
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Year Fog Signal Building Constructed:
1883
Keeper's Quarters?:
Yes
Year Keeper's Quarters:
1851
Keeper's Quarters Style:
INTEGRAL
Keeper's Quarters Construction:
BRICK/IRON PLATE

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
No
Current Optic:
REMOVED
Original Optic Type:
FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • 1832: Site was original location of the wooden lightship Lois McLane.
  • 1851: Lightship was replaced by the tower constructed on the shoal.
  • 1852: Two-and-a-half story keeper’s quarters were constructed as an integral part of the lighthouse station. The building is made of brick with iron plating on the outside.
  • 1883: A contract was given the Buhl Iron Works Company of Detroit to encase the entire tower with iron plate. Upon completion the tower was painted with horizontal red and white bands and a steam whistle fog signal was installed.
  • 1896: Further deterioration to the crib and pier resulted in Congress approving funding for major renovations. Stone and old timber were removed and new timber, steel casing for the enlarged pier, and stone and cement added. 
  • 1912: Due to the larger and more powerful White Shoal Light a few miles away, the Waugostance Light was no longer needed and was decommissioned.
  • 1940s: The lighthouse was used for bombing practice from military aircraft and a hit caused a fire that gutted the interior of the tower and keepers dwelling of anything combustible.
  • 1980s: The iron plating peeled off, exposing the tower brick. The copper roof of the lantern room and the iron stairs within the tower were removed. The US Coast Guard recommended the structure be demolished.
  • 1998: The Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society was formed with a goal of complete restoration of the structure. The Society is working to raise funds to stabilize the lighthouse structure. The lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 21, 2017