Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Was Built Farther North on Lake Huron, Where It Fort Gratiot Still Stands Today
A History of Overcoming Challenges When the need for shipping increased in the 1820’s, so did the need for navigational aids along the eastern part of Historic Michigan. In response, the first lighthouse in Michigan was built in 1825. Unfortunately, the location was too far down the St. Clair River channel, was poorly constructed, and collapsed within a few years. In 1829 the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was built farther north on Lake Huron, where it Fort Gratiot still stands today. The lighthouse faced challenges when the Grand Trunk Railroad came to the area, as mariners confused lights from Lighthouse the trains as the lighthouse. To remedy this, the Lighthouse Service installed a variable light. When electricity came about, the traditional white light was replaced with the green continues to beam with pride light, which shines today. The Coast Guard maintained the Station until 2004, when they built a new station nearby. The county felt the old site Not many park and recreation departments host a lighthouse, but was a perfect fit as a park, so in 2010 the Light Station was St. Clair County Parks has the unique distinction of becoming the proud transferred to the county. After research and restoration, the new owner of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, one of the most treasured site opened as a park in 2012. landmarks on the Great Lakes. Perfect Partnerships One of the many partnerships that make the Station so The 183 year old lighthouse is part of the Fort Gratiot Light Station, five successful is between St. Clair County and the Port Huron acres of former United States Coast Guard Station property.
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