Keeping vigil on Lake Michigan: Grosse Point Lighthouse

Evanston, Illinois

With canals and the explosion of commerce in the Great Lakes in the 19th century, America sprouted inland lighthouses. Their mission was no less crucial than their seaside brethren; Maritime traffic on the lakes soon rivaled major ocean ports, and ships had to endure weather of equal fury.

The Grosse Point Lighthouse on Lake Michigan was built in 1873, 13 years

The Lighthouses: -Intro- Cape Hatteras - N.C. Highland - Massachusetts St. Augustine - Florida Point Reyes - California Heceta Head - Oregon

after a passenger steamer collided with a schooner, leaving more than 300 people dead. The waters from Grosse Point to Chicago were, at the time, some of the most heavily trafficked in the world.

Last year, crews wrapped up a 23-year restoration of the tower. The grounds are open year-round, with tours of the keeper's house available on weekends in the summer.

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Related site:

• Lighthouse Getaway: Grosse Point Light