Iron ore was discovered up the Menominee River in 1847. With the connection of a new railroad line in 1877, the established deep water port of Escanaba handled the increased ore shipping. Menominee's docks increased in traffic though too, becoming a prime port for supplies & manpower to the mines. A lighthouse to guard the now busy harbor was built in 1877, although it's design and location is unknown.
|
Menominee Harbor was improved in the 1920s, and a new north pier light was built in 1927. The 34 foot tall octagonal cast iron tower featured a 4th Order Fresnel lens. An attached fog signal building was also constructed, along with a raised iron catwalk connecting the light to shore. The fog signal building was eventually removed. The lighthouse was automated in 1972 and the iron catwalk also removed.
|
