National Register of Historic Places

Muskegon South Breakwater Light

Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan
Listed
November 15, 2006
Type
Structure
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
06001026

About this property

The Muskegon Breakwater Light or South Breakwater Light is a light located on the end of the south arm of the Muskegon breakwater surrounding the mouth of the Muskegon channel in Muskegon, Michigan. The site is accessible by walking the breakwater. As of Summer, 2015, the light is available to the public for tours. The first lighthouse located in Muskegon was constructed in 1851 atop a wooden tower on land. In 1871, a steel tower was constructed at the end of the breakwater and the main light was rebuilt. In 1928, a new caisson was placed at the end of the south breakwater to support a new light. In 1929 the superstructure for this light was constructed, and it was lit the next year. New navigational equipment was added in 1939. In 2008 the light became available for transfer under NHLPA, and in June 2010 ownership was transferred to the Michigan Lighthouse Conservancy. The lights and buoys of Muskegon Harbor are maintained by the US Coast Guard Station housed in the lighthouse 3/8 of a mile away, at the mouth of the Muskegon Channel. The light has been in service since 1879. The Muskegon Breakwater Light is a square pyramidal steel tower mounted on a square steel equipment room. The entire structure is painted red. SS Henry Cort, ran aground off the breakwater in 1934

Location

Muskegon, Muskegon County, Michigan
43.22400, -86.34685

Categories

COMMERCETRANSPORTATIONMARITIME HISTORYARCHITECTUREENGINEERING
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Muskegon South Pierhead Light
Industrial
0.3 mi
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES
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0.5 mi
Hackley, Charles H., House
Industrial
4.5 mi
Hume House
Industrial
4.5 mi
Union Depot
Civil War
4.5 mi

Questions about this property

When was Muskegon South Breakwater Light listed on the National Register?

Muskegon South Breakwater Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 15, 2006.

What type of historic resource is Muskegon South Breakwater Light?

Muskegon South Breakwater Light is classified as a structure in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Muskegon South Breakwater Light?

The period of significance for Muskegon South Breakwater Light is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Muskegon South Breakwater Light?

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