St. Joseph in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lighthouses on the Bluff
Five lighthouses have guided ships to St. Joseph: three on the pier and two on the bluff near this site. The bluff lights included a 40-foot stone structure and its replacement, a tower and keeper's house built in 1859. In 1955, despite local preservation efforts, the 1859 building was torn down with a parking lot, seen across the street. A historic landmark was lost forever.
(Upper Left Photo Caption)
No photograph of the 1832 lighthouse exists. This artist's rendering is based on descriptions found in Federal records.
(Upper Right Photo Caption)
The 1859 light, a familiar sight to lake mariners, remained in operation until 1924.
Photo: Historical Collections of the Great Lakes, Bowling Green State University
(Bottom Photo Caption)
The 1859 lighthouse included a keeper's residence. In 1934, local preservationists created this period room at the residence.
Photo: The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center
Erected by City of St. Joseph, The Heritage Museum and Cultural Center, and the Public History Program at Western Michigan University.
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 year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 42° 6.535′ N, 86° 29.037′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Lake Boulevard north of Elm Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Joseph MI 49085, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Eleven Inch Dahlgren (a few steps from this marker); Silver Beach Amusement Park (a few steps from this marker); La Salle Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Lighthouses on the Pier (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (about 400 feet away); United States Life Saving Service (about 500 feet away); Fort Miami (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Joseph's Firemen (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.
More about this marker. The marker is the second of 12 interpretive signs along the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. These are the markers of the St. Joseph Maritime Heritage Trail. To study the markers in their order along the trail, read each marker in the order shown.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 28, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.