McGulpin Point

On August 3, 1854, Congress appropriated $6,000 for the construction of McGulpin's Point Lighthouse, three miles east of Fort Michilimackinac. But, for some reason no action was taken to build the lighthouse and the original appropriate went unspent and expired. The Lighthouse Board again petitioned Congress and on July 26, 1866 an appropriation of $20,000 was awarded.

Construction began on McGulpin's Point in early 1869 as a mirror image of Chambers Island and Eagle Bluff in Door County, Wisconsin. The design, known as Norman Gothic, was also used at White River Light Station in 1875 and Squaw Island in 1892. The tower and keeper's dwelling was constructed of cream city brick and a third-and-a-half order Fresnel lens was set in the tower.

James Davenport was McGulpin's most noted keeper. He had served at Waugoshance Shoal and Little Sable Point before being transferred to the Straits area in September 1879. He held that position for 27 years until the light was extinguished. He was then transferred to Mission Point Light where he continued to serve until his retirement in 1917.

McGulpin's Point was deactivated in 1906 and replaced by Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse. The light in Mackinaw City was so strong and visible throughout the Straits it was a much more useful aid to navigation than McGulpin's Point, which was only visible from the east. Today McGulpin's Point is privately owned. The lantern room has been removed from the lighthouse and it is surrounded by trees. Views of the historic structure are extremely limited.

Mackinaw Area Tourist Association: 800-666-0160
West Michigan Tourist Association: 800-442-2084
Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association: 313-436-9150