Split Rock Lighthouse State Park near Beaver Bay in Lake County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Oil House

— Split Rock Lighthouse —

July 27, 2022

1. Oil House Marker

Inscription. Between the lighthouse's kerosene lantern and the fog signal's gasoline engines, Split Rock needed a ready supply of fuel. The sturdy, fire-resistant oil house was built to store that fuel safely. The 16-inch-thick walls are made from poured cement reinforced with steel bars spaced a foot apart. The door is made from a quarter-inch-thick steel plate.

In 1940, a rural power line brought electricity to Split Rock. With less fuel storage needed, the oil house's function changed. The Coast Guard used the oil house to store paint and tools.

The tramway and oil house, circa 1911. MNHS collections.

Erected by Minnesota Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1940.

Location. 47° 12.02′ N, 91° 22.013′ W. Marker is near Beaver Bay, Minnesota, in Lake County. It is in Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. It can be reached from Split Rock Lighthouse Road half a mile south of North Shore Scenic Drive (State Highway 61). Located at the Split Rock Lighthouse

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Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3713 Split Rock Lighthouse Rd, Two Harbors MN 55616, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region,

in the Iron Range,

and in the North Shore.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Great North Woods,

on the Great Lakes,

on Lake Superior’s North Shore,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); Fog Signal (a few steps from this marker); Home Away From Home (a few steps from this marker); Storage Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Gold Rock Point (within shouting distance of this marker); Little Two Harbors (within shouting distance of this marker); Steam Engine Hoist (within shouting

July 27, 2022

2. Oil House & Marker

distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Gales of November (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beaver Bay.

Other markers no longer nearby. Steam Hoist Engine (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Gales of November (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . . Split Rock Lighthouse. (Submitted on August 13, 2022.)

Panoramic photo of the oil house's interior image. Click for full size.

July 27, 2022

3. Panoramic photo of the oil house's interior

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2022. This page has been viewed 231 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 13, 2022.