Huron City in Huron County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

Registered Michigan Historic Site

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, March 26, 2011

1. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. The Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse and Lifesaving Station aided mariners for over a century, beginning in 1847. That year the United States Lighthouse Service built the first lighthouse on this site to mark the turning point of Lake Huron into Saginaw Bay and to warn of shallow waters. Catherine Shook became Michigan's first female light keeper when she took over for her husband, Peter, after he drowned in 1849. In 1857 the lighthouse and dwelling were replaced with the present 89-foot tower and attached house. In 1908 the brick assistant keeper's house was built. The lighthouse was fully automated in 1934. Five years later the last keeper retired, and the lifesaving station, made up of 15 buildings, was decommissioned.

Erected 2006 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S0369.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 44° 1.362′ N, 82° 47.604′ W. Marker is in Huron City, Michigan, in Huron County. Marker can be reached from Gulick Drive near Park Drive. Located

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next to the Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse in Lighthouse County Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Port Hope MI 48468, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Oil House (a few steps from this marker); Daniel J. Morrell (a few steps from this marker); Brigantine E. Cohen (a few steps from this marker); Life Saving Station (a few steps from this marker); Pointe aux Barques Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); The Great Lakes (within shouting distance of this marker); Storm of 1913 (within shouting distance of this marker); Life Saving Service, Station 2 (within shouting distance of this marker).

Also see . . .
1. Pointe Aux Barques-Lighthouse Explorer Database. (Submitted on April 4, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
2. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse. MichMarkers.com (Submitted on August 1, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, March 26, 2011

2. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse and Marker

Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jenn Wintermantel, March 26, 2011

3. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

Photographed By Duane Hall, May 25, 2010

4. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

Photographed By US Coast Guard

5. Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse

Near Huron City, Michigan is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The lighthouse is still in operation as an aid to navigation, and houses two museums in portions of the facility no longer needed by the Coast Guard.

Pointe Aux Barques Life Saving Stations image. Click for full size.

Photographed By John Garman, June 27, 2020

6. Pointe Aux Barques Life Saving Stations

In 2017, two of the original Pointe Aux Barques Life Saving Stations were moved back to the area from Huron City and are currently undergoing restoration.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 831 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 27, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on January 14, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 5. submitted on April 15, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 6. submitted on November 21, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.