Copper Harbor Light, Maritime navigation station at Copper Harbor, United States
Copper Harbor Light is a red brick structure with a square tower roughly 14 meters tall standing on Lake Superior's shore. The site includes the original keeper's dwelling next to the later tower, creating a two-part historic complex.
The lighthouse was built in 1848 to guide ships transporting copper from Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The current tower dates to 1866, following improvements and modifications to the original structure.
The lighthouse represents how maritime safety shaped early settlement in this remote area. Visitors can see the original keeper's dwelling standing near the later tower, showing how the site developed over time.
Museum access requires a boat ride from Copper Harbor Marina and is available only during summer months from June through September. Visitors should prepare for variable weather and plan ahead, as boat trips depend on water conditions.
The lighthouse received one of its first Fresnel lens installations in 1856, an advanced technology for navigation at that time. This lens improved light visibility across great distances, marking an important advancement in maritime safety technology.
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