Navigating the vast expanse of Lake Superior, mariners have long relied on guiding lights to ensure safe passage. Among these historical beacons, the Au Sable Light Station stands as a testament to maritime necessity and engineering prowess. But for those unfamiliar with the Great Lakes region, the first question often is: Where Is Au Sable Light Station located? This historic lighthouse is situated on the southern shore of Lake Superior, marking the hazardous Au Sable Point and guiding ships away from peril.
A Name Rooted in History
Interestingly, the Au Sable Light Station wasn’t always known by its current name. Originally designated as the Big Sable Light Station, a change was implemented in May 1910 to better reflect its precise geographical location. The term “Au Sable,” derived from the French phrase meaning “with sand,” likely originated from early European explorers who noted the sandy landscape of the point. As early as 1622, Pierre Esprit Radisson documented Au Sable Point as “most dangerous when there is any storms,” highlighting its long-recognized threat to ships traversing Lake Superior.
Necessity Born from Perilous Waters
The need for a lighthouse at Au Sable Point became increasingly critical as lake traffic surged in the mid-19th century, particularly following the opening of the Soo Canal in 1855. A treacherous reef composed of Jacobsville Sandstone extended from Au Sable Point, lurking just beneath the surface in places. Without a clear warning, vessels were highly susceptible to grounding on this hidden hazard.
Adding to the navigational challenges, the area was notorious for dense fog. This fog arose from the interaction of cool lake air with warmer currents originating from the nearby Grand Sable Dunes. Mariners and concerned voices in the press began to advocate strongly for a light station positioned between Grand Island and Whitefish Point. The Marquette Mining Journal, in a July 29, 1871 article, declared that “in all navigation of Lake Superior, there is none more dreaded by the mariner than that from Whitefish Point to Grand Island.” Echoing this sentiment, the Eleventh Lighthouse District emphasized in their 1871 annual report the urgent need for a light at Au Sable Point, deeming it more critical than any other unprotected location within their district.
A Ship Trap on Lake Superior’s South Shore
The navigational practices of Lake Superior vessels further exacerbated the dangers at Au Sable Point. After navigating the St. Mary’s River and rounding Whitefish Point, it was common for ships to follow the southern coastline, maintaining visual contact with land. This route was especially favored by vessels heading towards Marquette or Munising, but many captains adopted it as the most direct path. However, Au Sable Point and the adjacent Pictured Rocks region became a notorious “ship trap.” Strong north winds could push vessels onto the lee shore, while snow or fog often disoriented them, leading to perilous situations.
Construction and Design of the Light Station
Recognizing the escalating dangers, the U.S. Congress acted decisively in 1872, allocating $40,000 to establish a lighthouse at Au Sable Point. The State of Michigan facilitated the project by selling 326 acres of land to the federal government for a nominal $407 to accommodate the light station. Construction commenced the following year, and on August 19, 1874, the Au Sable Light Station commenced operation, casting its vital beam across the lake. Reflecting the standardized practices of the U.S. Light House Service, the design of Au Sable was not unique. It shares an identical blueprint with the Outer Island Light, constructed in the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin in the same year, 1874.
Tower and Light Details
The imposing light tower rises 86 feet from its base to the ventilator ball atop the lantern. Its robust construction is evident in the tower base, where the walls exceed 4 feet in thickness. This substantial width is composed of 20-inch outer walls, 12-inch inner walls, and a 19-inch air space providing insulation. The walls at the lower lantern room maintain a thickness of over 3 feet. The tower’s foundation is equally impressive, consisting of rubble masonry extending 23 feet below ground level, anchored to bedrock.
Initially, the light was fueled by lard oil, but efficiency improvements led to a conversion to kerosene. The kerosene flame, magnified by a 90-degree mirror and focused through a 270-degree third-order Fresnel lens, manufactured by L. Sautter & Co. of Paris, France, intensified the light to 6,750 candlepower. This fixed white light offered a visibility range of 17 miles across Lake Superior, providing a crucial navigational aid.
Fog Signal Upgrades
A significant enhancement to the station’s capabilities occurred in 1897 with the replacement of the hand-cranked foghorn by a steam-powered fog signal. This upgrade necessitated the construction of a new crib and seawall, along with the installation of piping to draw lake water to power the steam signal. However, the initial steam fog signal proved ineffective, requiring a year before a functional replacement was acquired and installed. This finally relieved the lighthouse keeper of the arduous task of manually cranking the foghorn whenever fog enveloped the point.
1909 Alterations and Expansion
Extensive modifications and additions were undertaken at the light station in 1909 to modernize and expand its facilities. Among these changes were expansions to the dwelling connected to the tower. Originally designed as a single residence, it was adapted into a double dwelling to accommodate an assistant keeper. Furthermore, a completely new head keeper’s dwelling was erected just west of the light tower in 1909, coinciding with the remodeling of the original dwelling.
In conclusion, the Au Sable Light Station stands as a significant historical landmark on Lake Superior, its location carefully chosen to mitigate the dangers of Au Sable Point. From its construction in the late 19th century to its modernization in the early 20th, this lighthouse has played a vital role in ensuring safe navigation on one of the Great Lakes’ most challenging stretches of water. Its enduring presence continues to serve as a reminder of the critical importance of maritime safety and the historical ingenuity applied to achieve it.
