{{short description|Lighthouse in Michigan, United States}} {{Use American English|date=July 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox lighthouse | image = Tawaspoint3.jpg | location = Baldwin Township, Iosco County Michigan | coordinates = {{coord|44.254|N|83.449|W|region:US_type:landmark|display=inline,title}} | yearbuilt = 1853 | yearlit = 1853 | construction = Brick and masonry | shape = Conical | height = {{convert|67|ft}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/towers.htm|title=Seeing The Light - Lighthouse Tower Heights|website=www.terrypepper.com|accessdate=Oct 19, 2019}}</ref> | focalheight = {{convert|70|ft}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/lists/focalheight.htm|title=Seeing The Light - Lighthouse Focal Planes|website=www.terrypepper.com|accessdate=Oct 19, 2019}}</ref> | marking = white w/black lantern attached brick cottage w/red roof | lens = Fifth order Fresnel lens (original), Fourth order Fresnel lens<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070704155856/http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/tawas.htm National Park Service, Maritime Heritage Program, Inventory of Historic Lights, Tawas Point Light.]</ref> (current) | range = white {{convert|16|nmi}}; red {{convert|12|nmi}}<ref name="cite uscgll|7">{{cite uscgll|7||}}</ref> | characteristic = Oc W 4s (R sector)<ref name="cite uscgll|7"/> Red from 045° to 135° | fogsignal = HORN: 2 blasts ev 60s (3s bl- 3s si-3s bl-51s si). 3,150 feet, 232° from light. Operates May 1 to Oct. 20.<ref name="cite uscgll|7"/> | module = {{Infobox NRHP | embed = yes | name = Tawas Point Light | built = 1876 | added = July 19, 1984 | refnum = 84001453<ref name=nris>{{cite web|url=https://npgallery.nps.gov/nrhp|title=National Register Information System|date=2009-03-13|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=2010-08-03|archive-date=2008-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725123211/http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/|url-status=live}}</ref> | designated_other1 = Michigan State Historic Site | designated_other1_date = April 23, 1971<ref name=MCGI>{{cite web|last=State of Michigan|url=http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/6951.htm|year=2009|title=Tawas Point Light Station Light|accessdate=June 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511125712/http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/hso/sites/6951.htm|archive-date=2012-05-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> | designated_other1_num_position = bottom }} }} '''Tawas Point Light''' is located in the Tawas Point State Park off Tawas Bay in Lake Huron in Baldwin Township in Northern Michigan.

==History== In 1850, Congress appropriated $5,000 for the construction of a lighthouse. In 1852, construction started, and the lighthouse was commissioned in 1853. After the lighthouse was built, many problems were encountered. Shifting sands caused the point to be extended by nearly a mile. The original light was a 5th Order Fresnel lens, later upgraded when the building was replaced. {{stack|[[File:Tawaspoint.jpg|thumb|right|Undated USCG image]]}} In 1867, the Inspector of the lighthouse said that the lighthouse was wearing down to the point where they should consider renovating it. The Lighthouse Board ignored his request to put more money in the lighthouse because they had bigger problems at hand in Ottawa Point. The waves caused sand build-up by the Point, which added almost a mile, more of land. The lighthouse was so far inland that mariners were unable to see the lighthouse's light. To add to the problem this lighthouse was known for its dim light. With all these problems combined, it caused a shipwreck from Captain Olmstead's schooner "Dolphin". He blamed the lighthouse stating that it was too dim to see the light. This caused the Lighthouse board to reconsider their option at renovating or rebuilding a new one. In 1875 Congress approved a $30,000 amount for a brand new lighthouse. They finished building the lighthouse sometime in 1877.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://www.terrypepper.com/lights/huron/tawas/tawas.htm|title=Seeing The Light - Tawas Point Lighthouse|website=www.terrypepper.com|accessdate=Oct 19, 2019}}</ref>

It was originally known as Ottawa Point. The name was officially changed to Tawas Point in 1902. The point is a substantial hazard to navigation. Additionally, because it is tucked behind the point, Tawas Bay is an ideal shelter from storms, wind and waves out of the north and northeast. The point juts out into Lake Huron, and has been getting much larger over time. A map is available, which shows the accretion. The original light was begun in 1852, and completed in 1853. The light was fueled at various times by lard oil, then kerosene, and the current light is of course now electric. This is the second lighthouse on the point.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.buoy2.com/lighthouse.htm|title=buoy2.com|website=www.buoy2.com|accessdate=Oct 19, 2019|archive-date=December 22, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071222072120/http://www.buoy2.com/lighthouse.htm|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

The tower is {{convert|70|ft|m}} tall including the base, with a diameter at base of {{convert|16|ft|m}} and a diameter at parapet of {{convert|9|ft|6|in|m}} It is constructed of a brick outer wall, and an inner wall: 24&nbsp;inches/8&nbsp;inches thick, respectively. There is an air space between walls of {{convert|24|in|mm}}. The tower has in place a Fourth Order Fresnel lens ({{IPAc-en|f|r|eɪ|ˈ|n|ɛ|l}}).<ref name="auto"/><ref name="auto1"/> The light can be seen for {{convert|16|mi|km}}, and has a lens focal plane {{convert|70|ft|m}} above Lake Huron's average water level. The Keeper’s House is {{convert|43|ft|m}} long and {{convert|26|ft|m}} wide.<ref>[http://michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_sentinel_5-12-2004_92010_7.pdf A Child's View of the Tawas Point Light, Michigan Time Traveler: Lansing State Journal.]</ref>

In the 2000s, the house was remodeled by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, with the assistance and contributions of the Friends of Tawas Point State Park. The downstairs was transformed into a museum for the lighthouse and the upstairs a living quarters for volunteers to rent for one and two week stays.<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/06/tawas_point_lighthouse_looks_f.html Kart, Jess, ''Tawas Point Lighthouse looks for boarders willing to pay for privilege of living in working structure'', June 4, 2008.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080830073841/http://www.mlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2008/06/tawas_point_lighthouse_looks_f.html |date=2008-08-30 }} The Bay City Times.</ref> Volunteer keepers will stay for up to two weeks.<ref>{{cite rowlett|miel}}</ref>

Because of its popularity, picturesque form and location, it is often the subject of photographs, and even of needlepoint illustrations.<ref>[https://www.dataleap.com/secure/pin/orderpage.htm Needlepoint of Tawas Point Light.]{{dead link|date=May 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The Tawas lifesaving station has recently been saved and renovation continues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.michiganlights.com/tawasemergency.htm|title=TAWAS EMERGENCY|website=www.michiganlights.com|accessdate=Oct 19, 2019}}</ref>

The Fresnel lens is still operative, being one of Only 70 such lenses that remain operational in the United States, sixteen of which are use on the Great Lakes of which eight are in Michigan.<ref>[http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/CG_Classical_Lens_in_Operation.pdf United States Coast Guard, Fresnel Lenses Still in Operation] {{webarchive|url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090325232007/http://www.uscg.mil/history/docs/CG_Classical_Lens_in_Operation.pdf |date=2009-03-25 }}.</ref>

In October 2015, the Coast Guard announced that it would remove the Fresnel lens and replace it with a modern optic beacon.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Coast Guard plans lens removal from Tawas Point lighthouse|url = http://michiganradio.org/post/coast-guard-plans-lens-removal-tawas-point-lighthouse#stream/0|website = michiganradio.org| date=November 2015 |accessdate = 2015-11-03}}</ref> But after public comments, the lens remains in place.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.iosconews.com/breaking_news/article_ca13027e-87e2-11e5-b2ea-df04b532d456.html|title=Tawas Point Fresnel lens may remain in lighthouse|first=Karen|last=Rouse|website=Iosco County News Herald|date=11 November 2015 |accessdate=Oct 19, 2019}}</ref>

==Current events== A scaled-down replica called the "Tri-Centennial Light of Detroit" is modeled after the Tawas Point Light, was built at William G. Milliken State Park. The lighthouse is 63 feet tall, and marks the harbor entrance. "The new safety light tower is believed to be the first conical brick structure of this type built in Michigan since 1892 and serves as a tribute to Michigan's Great Lakes maritime history."<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365_24648-94491--,00.html'' Welcome to Tri-Centennial State Park and Harbor''], Michigan Department of Natural Resources.</ref> thumb|Replica of Tawas Point Lighthouse in William G. Milliken State Park in Detroit

==See also== *Lighthouses in the United States

==References== {{reflist|35em}}

==Further reading==

* [http://michigan.gov/documents/hal_mhc_mhm_sentinel_5-12-2004_92010_7.pdf A Child's View of the Tawas Point Light, Michigan Time Traveler: Lansing State Journal and Michigan Historical Center.] * Crompton, Samuel Willard & Michael J. Rhein, ''The Ultimate Book of Lighthouses'' (2002) {{ISBN|1-59223-102-0}}; {{ISBN|978-1-59223-102-7}}. * Hyde, Charles K., and Ann and John Mahan. ''The Northern Lights: Lighthouses of the Upper Great Lakes.'' Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1995. {{ISBN|0-8143-2554-8}} {{ISBN|9780814325544}}. * Jones, Ray & Bruce Roberts, ''American Lighthouses'' (Globe Pequot, September 1, 1998, 1st Ed.) {{ISBN|0-7627-0324-5}}; {{ISBN|978-0-7627-0324-1}}. * Jones, Ray,''The Lighthouse Encyclopedia, The Definitive Reference'' (Globe Pequot, January 1, 2004, 1st ed.) {{ISBN|0-7627-2735-7}}; {{ISBN|978-0-7627-2735-3}}. * Lighthouse Central, Tawas Point Light Photographs, History and Directions, ''The Ultimate Guide to East Michigan Lighthouses'' by Jerry Roach (Publisher: Bugs Publishing LLC - July 2006). {{ISBN|0-9747977-1-5}}; {{ISBN|978-0-9747977-1-7}}. * Noble, Dennis, ''Lighthouses & Keepers: U. S. Lighthouse Service and Its Legacy'' (Annapolis: U. S. Naval Institute Press, 1997). {{ISBN|1-55750-638-8}}; {{ISBN|978-1-55750-638-2}}. * Oleszewski, Wes, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses, American and Canadian: A Comprehensive Directory/Guide to Great Lakes Lighthouses'', (Gwinn, Michigan: Avery Color Studios, Inc., 1998) {{ISBN|0-932212-98-0}}. * Penrod, John, ''Lighthouses of Michigan'', (Berrien Center, Michigan: Penrod/Hiawatha, 1998) {{ISBN|978-0-942618-78-5}} {{ISBN|9781893624238}}. * Penrose, Laurie and Bill, A'' Traveler’s Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouses'' (Petoskey, Michigan: Friede Publications, 1999). {{ISBN|0-923756-03-5}} {{ISBN|9780923756031}}. * {{cite uscghist|MI}} * United States Coast Guard, ''Aids to Navigation'', (Washington, DC: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1945). * {{cite uscgnavbib}} * {{cite uscghist|MI}} * {{cite web|url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/lighthouses/index.htm |author= Wagner, John L. |title=''Beacons Shining in the Night: The Lighthouses of Michigan'' | publisher=Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University}} * Wagner, John L., ''Michigan Lighthouses: An Aerial Photographic Perspective'', (East Lansing, Michigan: John L. Wagner, 1998) {{ISBN|1-880311-01-1}} {{ISBN|9781880311011}}. * Wright, Larry and Wright, Patricia, ''Great Lakes Lighthouses Encyclopedia'' Hardback (Erin: Boston Mills Press, 2006) {{ISBN|1-55046-399-3}}. {{commons category|Tawas Point Lighthouse}}

== External links == * [http://www.mi.gov/tawaslighthouse Tawas Point Lighthouse] - official site * [http://marinas.com/view/lighthouse/330 Aerial photos, Tawas Point Light, marinas.com.] * National Park Service [https://web.archive.org/web/20070704155856/http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/tawas.htm Maritime Heritage Program, Inventory of Historic Lights, Tawas Point Light.] * [http://www.us-lighthouses.com/displaypage.php?LightID=242 U.S. Lighthouses on Tawas Point light] * [http://www.uscg.mil/history/sarindex.asp U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Index]

{{Lighthouses of Michigan}} {{National Register of Historic Places in Michigan}}

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Category:Lighthouses completed in 1853 Category:Lighthouses completed in 1876 Category:Lighthouses on the National Register of Historic Places in Michigan Category:Museums in Iosco County, Michigan Category:Michigan State Historic Sites Category:National Register of Historic Places in Iosco County, Michigan Category:Lighthouse museums in Michigan Category:Lighthouses of Lake Huron Category:Transportation in Iosco County, Michigan Category:1853 establishments in Michigan Category:1876 establishments in Michigan