Beaver Island Harbor Light, Lighthouse in St. James Township, Michigan, United States.
Beaver Island Harbor Light is a lighthouse in St. James Township's harbor area on an island in Lake Michigan. The cylindrical tower made of red brick has a white exterior with a black lantern at the top and sits directly by the water near the dock area.
The first lighthouse was built in 1856 and replaced by the current tower in 1870 to guide ships more safely through Lake Michigan. The site played an important role in the island's maritime commerce and shows how long people have relied on this harbor for their survival.
The lighthouse marks the connection between this island community and the wider maritime world, serving as both a practical guide and a symbol of human settlement here. Visitors can sense how important this beacon remains to the identity of the local waterfront.
The tower stands right on the shore and is visible from most places in town, making it easy for visitors to locate. The best views of the lighthouse and the surrounding coastal landscape can be had from the water or nearby vantage points along the harbor.
The area earned the name 'Whiskey Point' from a trading post established in 1838 that dealt mainly in alcohol goods. This surprising background shows the site had economic importance long before the lighthouse was built.
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