Waugoshance Shoal Light Station

Waugoshance as it was

For 20 years, a lightship marked the shallow waters of the Straits of Mackinac near Waugoshance Shoal. The station was established in 1832 and it wasn't until 1851 that the Waugoshance Light became the first permanent structure. When Waugoshance Shoal Light was built in 1851, it was the first to be constructed in open water by using a submarine crib to establish the foundation.

The tower was crowned with a large "bird cage" style lantern room, one of only three lighthouses to be equipped with this style of lantern room in all of the Great Lakes. Waugoshance was equipped with a fourth order Fresnel lens that displayed a fixed white light, varied by a white flash every 45 seconds. The light was visible for 16 miles.

The fury of Lake Michigan winters and the thawing of ice in the spring caused the foundation of the crib to deteriorate considerably. The first repairs were made in 1865 and then again in the late 1880s. In 1883 the entire structure was encased in steel at a cost of $23,000 and fog lamp was added.

With the building of White Shoal light just a few miles to the north, Waugoshance Light became unnecessary and in 1912, the light was decommissioned and abandoned.

In the 1940s, the light found another, less gratifying, use. During World War II, the light station was used for target practice. That, along with the toll that Lake Michigan has provided, have nearly destroyed Waugushance Shoal. Apparently a number of missiles hit their target, as a massive fire broke out on the structure, completely gutting the interior of the tower and keeper's
dwelling.

Over the years, the entire casing began to peel from the structure and has fallen into the lake. Now, the soft brick of Wauguoshance is once again exposed to the elements. The stairs that once led from the water up to the light have been removed, preventing further vandalism of the ruins. Waugoshance Shoal Light is on the Endangered Lighthouse List.

According to local lore, the ghost of practical joker John Herman has kept vandals from the historic lantern room of the crumbling Waugoshance Lighthouse for the past century. But the Great Lakes' most mischievous ghost is about to meet a most persistent preservationist. Twenty-six-year-old Chris West won't let an apparition scare him from his goal of returning the light to shipshape. West says he couldn't watch a Great Lakes "castle" just fade into the lake. He's launched a preservation society for the lighthouse and already has the original blueprints from the National Archives.

With the cooperation of the Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum, countless hours of work by volunteer members of the Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society and the monetary and physical donations from people dedicated to the light, the seemingly impossible endeavor to restore Waugoshance Lighthouse is becoming a reality.

Already, the US Coast Guard has authorized the Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society -- under the direction of Chris West -- to raise the funds to secure the presently standing structure while a long term lease is drawn up, giving the Society temporary ownership, for the restoration process. The Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society feels that this is a vital piece of Great Lakes history in need of restoration for future generations to learn from and enjoy.

You can view Waugoshance Light from the land at Wilderness State Park in Mackinaw City. Shepler's Mackinac Island Ferry also offers a three hour scenic westward cruise, which takes passengers past White Shoal, Gray's Reef, Waugoshance Light and St. Helena Island light. Cruises include close-in viewing opportunities, although weather concerns can often dictate
which can be visited. On board narration is provided by the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association and/or Great Lakes Lighthouse Museum. A portion of the proceeds will go toward their preservation efforts. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, but always fascinating, the colorful anecdotes, stories, and legends surrounding these marvelous icons will
amaze and captivate.

This is one of four Straits area beacons visible from the restaurant, Leg's Inn in Cross Village.

Waugoshance Lighthouse Preservation Society
PO Box 1061, Mackinaw City MI 49701
volunteer@waugoshance.org
www.waugoshance.org

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