Presque Isle in Presque Isle County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Fame

— Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail —

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

1. Fame Marker

Inscription. Starting in 1883, the Fame sailed the Great Lakes for 34 years. Still, it was considered an unlucky vessel. It sprang a leak less than a year after it was built, ran aground several times; was struck by lightning twice; and collided with five other vessels. On October 30, 1887, at the entrance to Presque Isle Harbor, a storm stranded the Fame for the final time. Lake Huron’s wind and waves quickly tore apart the schooner. Much of the vessel was salvaged because it was so near shore. According to local tradition some of the Fame's timbers were used to construct the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse.

Erected by Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Trail.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical date for this entry is October 30, 1887.

Location. 45° 20.269′ N, 83° 29.432′ W. Marker is in Presque Isle, Michigan, in Presque Isle County. It can be reached from the intersection of East Grand Lake Road and Range Light Lane, on the right when traveling north. It is in the pavilion at the end of the footpath to

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Range Light Beach. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5887 E Grand Lake Rd, Presque Isle MI 49777, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Albany (here, next to this marker); Get Into Your Sanctuary (here, next to this marker); L. M. Mason (here, next to this marker); In Memory of Isaac Coddington and Family (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Presque Isle Front Range Light (about 300 feet away); Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary (approx. 0.4 miles away); Presque Isle History (approx. 0.4 miles away); Presque Isle Lighthouses (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Presque Isle.

More about this marker.

Range Light Beach Pavilion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

2. Range Light Beach Pavilion

This interpretive panel is mounted on the south railing, on the right.

This interpretive panel is illustrated with two period photographs. On the right is a portrait of the Fame in full sail. The portrait is captioned,

Fame — Built: 1853 • Lost: 1887 • Length: 132' • Beam: 25'

On the left is a photo of a girl, a boy and a dog posing on the wreck.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 23, 2023

3. Range Light Beach Pavilion

This view is from the beach and also shows the front range light with its red and white flag for daytime viewing. The rear light and flag is across the road on Range Light Lane. To learn more about range lights, see this Wikipedia article on their use in navigation.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 148 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 20, 2023, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.