Duluth South Breakwater Outer Light, Lighthouse at Duluth Ship Canal, Minnesota
Duluth South Breakwater Outer Light is a lighthouse positioned at the south breakwater entrance to Duluth Ship Canal. The red brick tower stands about 10 meters tall and features a rectangular fog signal building alongside a two-story lantern structure at the top.
This light was established in 1874 to guide vessels into the Northern Pacific Railroad docks. It was equipped with modern navigation technology to support the growing maritime traffic on the lake during that period.
This light tower marks an important passage for ships entering a major port on Lake Superior. Its presence on the breakwater reflects how communities along these waters built infrastructure to support maritime trade and commerce.
The tower sits on the breakwater and is visible from the water but not easily reached on foot. You can view it best from the shoreline or during a harbor tour of the area.
In 1885, a special system using sawdust was installed to redirect the fog horn sound away from nearby neighborhoods. This early noise control solution shows how operators considered the comfort of residents living nearby.
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