The Apostle Islands on Lake Superior boast an impressive collection of eight historic lighthouses spread across six islands. The Apostle Islands and their lighthouse keepers are a fascinating story of human ingenuity, maritime history, and the enduring beauty of this unique region. These beacons, built in the 19th and early 20th centuries, played a critical role in navigating the dangerous waters of the “Gitchi-Gami,” as Lake Superior is called in Ojibwe. Their history is filled with stories of isolation, bravery, and progress, making them true cultural treasures.
Before modern navigation tools existed, Lake Superior posed a perilous challenge for mariners. Its volatile weather, sudden storms, and jagged shores made it a graveyard for countless ships. Lighthouses helped guide vessels laden with lumber, iron ore, and grain—commodities vital to the 19th-century economy. These beacons served as critical lifelines that saved many ships from the treacherous waters.
Did you know?
The Construction of the Apostle Islands’ Beacons
The first lighthouse constructed in the Apostle Islands was the Michigan Island Light in 1857. However, poor placement led to questions about its effectiveness, and revisions were made over the years. Eventually, a second, taller tower was built nearby in 1929 to improve visibility.
Over time, additional lighthouses were erected to meet the growing demands of maritime traffic. The Sand Island Light, completed in 1881, stands out for its elegant cream-colored brickwork. The Raspberry Island Light (1863) earned the nickname “Showplace of the Apostles” for its striking architecture and manicured grounds, maintained lovingly by the keepers.
The Devil’s Island Light (1891) is famous for guarding the northernmost point of the Apostle Islands, where its beam has weathered some of the most ferocious storms. The Outer Island Light (1874) is one of the most isolated, reflecting the challenges lighthouse keepers faced in this unforgiving environment.
Life of the Apostle Islands Lighthouse Keepers
Being one of the Apostle Islands lighthouse keepers was not for the faint of heart. These individuals lived in remote, often harsh conditions, with isolation as their constant companion. Keepers, along with their families, had to endure brutal winters, relying on ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive. (See my post, A Day in the Life of a Lighthouse Keeper at Beavertail Lighthouse, for more.)
The story of William and Julia Wheeler, long-time keepers of the Raspberry Island Light, offers a glimpse into this life. Julia is especially notable for her dedication, once covering her husband’s duties when he fell ill. Lighthouse keeping was one of the rare professions during the 19th century where women often worked alongside or replaced their husbands.
Some keepers became legends in their own right. Frederick Stonehouse, a historian of the Great Lakes, recounts tales of lonely nights, shipwreck rescues, and the almost familial bond keepers had with their lighthouses.
The Islands Have Claimed About 50 Ships
Despite the lighthouses, the waters around the Apostle Islands claimed many ships. These wrecks, now preserved beneath Lake Superior’s icy depths, remind us of the lighthouse’s critical role. The tragic 1905 wreck of the Sevona near Sand Island is one such tale. Unable to make it to safety during a storm, the freighter ran aground, and seven crew members lost their lives. Such stories underline the importance of these sentinels in preventing further disaster.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
While some of these lighthouses remain operational (but have been automated) others have been retired. The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, established in 1970, now manages and preserves these historic lighthouses. Join me next week for a visit to one of America’s most amazing places, the iconic Yellowstone National Park.
If you enjoyed this week’s Friday Morning Post, please leave a comment with your time on the puzzle. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the post! Thanks for being here!
See all my Friday Morning Posts here. If you missed last week’s post, you can use this link to view 6 Dec 2024 – New River Gorge Bridge.
Beautiful picture. My time was 9:50.
11.46 with a long break in between.
7:14 I enjoyed your post about lighthouses and lighthouse keepers in the Apostle Islands. I saw several lighthouses when I was traveling in the state of Michigan and learned a thing or two about them and the lighthouse keepers.
5:37 for me this week. Always look forward to this Friday treat.
9:38 my eyes are blurry today, which did not help at all.
9:33 I’ve always been fascinated with how the lighthouse keepers lived. I read a book to my daughter lots of years ago about a girl who had to keep the light going when her dad was ill….at least that’s what I remember. I think it may have been based on a true story.
My time this week was 5:32! I had to look up where the Apostle Islands are located. I’d never heard of them before, but it was fascinating to learn about them.
7:57
6:26 better than last week!
8:55