Mission Point Lighthouse

Sept. 17, 2019
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Mission Point Lighthouse, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City, Michigan

Built in 1870.

MISSION POINT LIGHT (OLD)

OLD MISSION PENINSULA IN GRAND TRAVERSE BAY
Station Established: 1870
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1870
Operational? NO
Automated? YES
Deactivated: 1933
Foundation Materials: NATURAL/EMPLACED
Construction Materials: WOOD
Tower Shape: SQUARE TOWER ON DWELLING
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/BLACK TRIM
Relationship to Other Structure: INTEGRAL
Original Lens: 1870

Historical Information:
 

Located exactly on the 45th parallel.

1838 – Mission established in accordance with the Treaty of 1836.

1870 – Light exhibited for the first time.

1889 – Timber revetment built in front of lighthouse to stave off erosion of the sandy bank. Brick cistern constructed in cellar.

1899 – Oil storage building built.

1901 – Walkways and fences constructed.

1940s – Ownership transferred to the state of Michigan.

1948 – Ownership transferred  to Peninsula Township.

 

Keepers:

  • Jerome Pratt, Sr. (1870 – 1877)
  • John McHaney (1877 – 1881)
  • John Lane (1881 – 1906)
  • Sarah Lane (Acting - 1906 – 1907)
  • James Davenport (1907 – 1919)
  • William Green (1919 – 1924)
  • Emil Johnson (1924 – 1933)