St. Joseph in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
U.S. Lighthouse Supply Depot
Following this service, the site operated as a restaurant in the 1990s. Two buildings, the lens repair shop and workers barracks, were torn down. A main storage structure and an officers' residence remain. In 2003, the St. Joseph River Yacht Club acquired the site. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it survives as one of only two historic Lighthouse Depots in Michigan.
(Upper Left Photo Caption)
Early 1900s view of the U.S. Lighthouse Depot showing the primary storage building (left), officer's living quarters (right), and lighthouse supply ship.
Photo: National Archives
(Upper Right Photo Caption)
The St. Joseph River Yacht Club restored the exterior to the depot keeper's dwelling in 2007, in cooperation with the State Historic Preservation Office of Michigan.
Photo: Alden J. Ho Photography
(Lower Photo Caption)
The U.S. Naval Reserve operated at the depot site from 1918-1950.
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 1893.
Location. 42° 6.707′ N, 86° 28.84′ W. Marker is in St. Joseph, Michigan, in Berrien County. Marker is on Water Street west of State Street, on the right when traveling west. 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. Commercial Shipping (within shouting distance of this marker); Recreational Boating (within shouting distance of this marker); Shipbuilding in the Twin Cities (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph Maritime Heritage (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Joseph River Swing Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Boatbuilding Industry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Creating a Harbor (about 300 feet away); St. Joseph's Firemen (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Joseph.
More about this marker. The marker is the tenth 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 30, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 519 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 30, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.