 |
Superior Entry Breakwater Lighthouse in Lake Superior
marking entry into the port at Superior. 8/23/2021 dwm photo |
The longest freshwater sandbar in the world stretches from the Wisconsin shore south-east of Superior uninterrupted across the west end of the big lake except for one natural entry formed by the St. Louis River which allow ships to enter a safe harbor.
The river divides Minnesota and Wisconsin creating Wisconsin and Minnesota Points on either side.
In 1905 Duluth businessmen created a canal closer to their city making a second entry into what became a busy seaport. That's how Superior and Duluth became the Twin Ports.
The first light marking the entry was built in 1858, five years after a canal in Sault Ste. Marie allowed big ships to move through Lake Huron into Lakes Michigan and Superior. The light lasted until 1885 after the first light was up on the Wisconsin side. In 1893, work on a more permanent light began according to the history at Lighthouse Friends.
 |
A sailboat exiting the bay's entry to pass
the Superior light. 8/23/2021 (dwm) |
After the long drive to the end of the breakwater, we got out to walk the shore where we could look back at the light. After taking pictures we drove closer.
The bright sun, deep blue water, and robin's egg sky was a great backdrop for the white house and its red top.
Storms on Lake Superior can be epic. The 1905 storm that lead to the Split Rock Lighthouse damaged the equipment guiding ships into the Twin Ports Quick repairs kept the port open, but it wasn't until 1911 funds were approved for a new light.
 |
| Half-way out the breakwater. 8/23/21 (dwm) |
The light is oval-shape which I've not seen before, I suspect it helped survive violent winds. It's an actual house with living quarters on the second floor in case bad weather prevented keepers from getting back to shore.
Keepers usually made the trip from land by boat. If that wasn't possible they could use an anchored cable to walk the breakwater or stay in the lighthouse.
I stepped from one boulder to another making it most of the way to the house before deciding the wise decision was going back to shore.
 |
| 8/23/2021 david mossner photo |
On the Lighthouse Friends site it also says while the light is automated, the house was sold to a California man who hopes to live in it from time to time and perhaps make it available to guests.
I doubt the purchase price includes the breakwater. If it does, the new owner is going to want to create some manner of walkway from shore to enjoy the place very often.
It is a beauty and worth the trip to see this Wisconsin gem.
Comments
Post a Comment