The Lighthouse

Built in 1908, Rock of Ages Lighthouse was one of the most powerful and remote lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Standing 137 feet tall, the light from the Rock of Ages could be seen from 29 miles away. The U.S. government undertook the project of building the lighthouse after two vessels, the Henry Chisholm and the Cumberland, struck the Rock of Ages reef and sunk. Keepers at the Rock of Ages would also play a key role in rescuing 127 passengers and crew from the George M. Cox in 1933, after it too ran aground on the reef in heavy fog. Rock of Ages was manned by 4 lighthouse keepers at a time from 1909 until 1978, when it was automated. To this day, the lighthouse acts as a valuable navigational aid for fisherman and visitors to Isle Royale National Park.

• Isle Royale National Park

• Isle Royale Families and Friends Association

• Michigan State Historical Society

• Split Rock Lighthouse

• Minnesota State Historical Society

• Grand Portage National Monument

• Seeing the Light: Lighthouses of the Western Great Lakes