Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse and Museums. . , In the mid-19th century, when roads to this area were almost non-existent, the infant community of Eagle Harbor saw a dramatic increase in waterborne commerce, including incoming settlers and supplies and outgoing shipments of copper and logs., Lake Superior's unreliable disposition meant that incoming and passing ships needed navigational assistance, and in 1851 the original lighthouse was commissioned. The wooden tower, which supported a light illuminated by sperm oil lamp, quickly deteriorated and was replaced in 1871 by the present red brick structure. In 1895 a fog signal was added, and in 1929 a radio beacon was installed to further assist lake navigation and communication between ship and shore., In 1968, the original Fresnel lens was replaced by aviation beacon-type red and white lights, which beam their warnings to ships more than 20 miles offshore. After serving under 21 keepers during its first 129 years, the lighthouse became automated in 1980., The Keweenaw County Historical Society became the 22nd "keeper of the light" in 1982, and through museum exhibits, period furnishings and interpretive devices, the proud history of Eagle Harbor's most prominent structure has been brought back into sharp focus., Besides the lighthouse there are three museums on the lighthouse site. The Maritime Museum is in the old fog signal and watch building, Keweenaw History Museum in the garage building near the entrance, and the Commercial Fishing Museum in the white Assistant Lightkeeper's house., The brown Assistant Lightkeeper's house is available to society members for weekly rental in the summer and fall - it is a spectacular setting in which to soak up the atmosphere and history of the Keweenaw., In 1999 the Congress of the United States transferred ownership of the Eagle Harbor Light Station to the Historical Society. The Coast Guard continues to operate the light at the top of the tower., Information about the Society and its other Keweenaw sites and museums is available at the lighthouse.