Eagle River Light

Eagle River, Michigan, USA

Lake Superior

From the 1840s onward, Eagle River was an important port used to ship copper from the nearby Cliff Mine and bring men and supplies to it. As early as 1850, Congress appropriated $4,000 to build a lighthouse at Eagle River. The first light went into operation in 1854. It was replaced in 1871 with a second light, for which $28,000 was appropriated. Only $15,000 of the money was actually spent, and the rest returned to the government.

This small light was located too far from Lake Superior's shoals off Eagle River to offer adquate protection. Built in 1854, this light with its 24-foot square brick tower was abandoned in 1908 when it was replaced by Sand Hills Fog and Light Station.