Point Iroquois, MI - Harbour Lights HL270 HL270 $68.95

Item # HL270
Standing on the site of a famous Indian battleground, Point Iroquois marks the entrance to the St. Mary's River and guides vessels in and out of the Soo Locks. Completed in 1855, the St. Mary's Falls Canal (Soo Locks) connected Lake Superior to the lower lakes. Ships carrying copper and iron ore from the ranges of Lake Superior could now transport their cargo to steel plants. An entire industry depended on the presence of a lighthouse at Point Iroquois.

The first, simple sentinel erected by the Lighthouse Board in 1855 was built of wood and sported a small, sixth-order lens. But with the harsh winters, the diminutive lighthouse faltered and mariners complained about the insufficient help the beacon provided. In 1871, a 65-foot conical brick tower replaced the ineffective structure and a brighter Fourth-order lens marked the passage more clearly for passing ships.

As technology improved, the need for Point Iroquois Lighthouse lessened. Buoys now guide ships in the area. Deactivated in 1971, the lens was removed and sent to the Smithsonian Institution. The U.S. Coast Guard turned the station over to the United States Forest Service, making it a part of the Hiawatha National Forest.

Limited edition of 6500 pieces.