Fort Gratiot Light The Fort Gratiot Lighthouse is the oldest surviving lighthouse in Michigan and was the first lighthouse on Lake Huron. It is named for Fort Gratiot, a military outpost that was located south of the lighthouse. As early as 1823, the U.S. government recognized the importance of protecting commerce on Lake Huron and on March 3 of that year, Congress appropriated $3,500.00 to construct a "lighthouse near Fort Gratiot in Michigan Territory." Winslow Lewis, a Massachusetts contractor specializing in lighthouses, was awarded the contract and in turn subcontracted Daniel Warren of Rochester, New York to build the light tower and keeper's dwelling. On April 2, 1825, Congress appropriated an additional $5,000 for the project and on August 8 it was completed. The tower rose 32 feet above ground level, was 18 feet in diameter at the bottom, and 9 feet at the top. It was the first lighthouse constructed on Michigan shores. The new lighthouse was found to be to be built not according to original specifications and was poorly located. It eventually collapsed during a storm and was replaced with a brick structure 86 feet tall. A brick duplex was added for the keeper and his assistant in 1874. The structures still stands today. In 1931, three acres of land adjoining Fort Gratiot Lighthouse was purchased by the Government and on April 13, 1932 the new and present Coast Guard Station opened in Port Huron. Originally the Station consisted of a main building, boathouse, and lookout tower, with crew quarters, breakwater and fog signal added later. The lighthouse was automated in 1933, with a range of 18 miles. In 1971 the Michigan Historical Commission designated the Fort Gratiot Light an historic site. In 2004, USCG Port Huron moved into all new headquarters adjacent to the lighthouse. The lighthouse has become a museum operated by the City of Port Huron, but has yet to be transferred to City ownership.
2007 Tour Schedule Between Memorial Day and labor Day, the lighthouse will be open 7 days a week, 11:00am to 4:30pm. After Labor Day, tours of the lighthouse will be conducted Thursday through Monday, 11:00am to 4:30pm. Groups of six (6) or more must call the Port Huron Museum at (810)-982-0891, Ext:19 for a reservation. |
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