Alpena Lighthouse
Alpena, MI. Lake Huron

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The Old Alpena Lighthouse before it was redesigned.

ALPENA BREAKWALL LIGHT

State: MICHIGAN
Location: ON BREAKWALL/ENTRANCE TO THUNDER BAY RIVER
Nearest City: ALPENA
County:
U.S.C.G. District: 9

Year Station Established: 1877

Existing Historic Tower: Yes

• Year Light First Lit: 1914
• Is the Light Operational? Yes
• Date Deactivated:  n/a
• Automated: Yes
• Foundation Materials: Breakwater
• Construction Materials: Cast iron
• Markings/Patterns: Red skeletal tower, upper part enclosed
• Shape: Skeletal
• Relationship to Other Structures:
• Tower Height:
• Original Optic: 4th Order Fresnel
• Year Original Lens Installed: 1914
• Present Optic: 250mm Plastic Lens
• Year Present Lens Installed:  N/A
• Height of Focal Plane: 44 Feet
• Fresnel Lens Disposition: At Grand Traverse Lighthouse
• Has tower been moved? No

Previous Tower(s): N/A, Destroyed

Modern Tower? NO

Existing Sound Signal Building? No

• Fog Signal Type:

Existing Keepers Quarters? None, Destroyed

• Year Constructed:
• Number of Stories:
• Architectural Style:
• Construction Materials:

Other Structures: None

Current Use: Active aid to navigation.

Owner/Manager: US Coast Guard

Open to the Public? No

Non-NPS Web Site:None

National Register Status: NONE Reference # 0
Name of Listing:                                                                                              On State List/Inventory? NO; Year Listed:

Miscellaneous:

An old postcard view from the water of the old lighthouse.

A colored postcard showing the new Sputnik style design.

A photograph of the light on the concrete crib.

The light as it stands today.

This bright red, steel frame structure has been nicknamed "Sputnik" by the people of this northern Michigan City. Resembling the Russian space satellite, it is believed to be the only lighthouse of this type in the United States. The current structure is believed to be the 3^rd lighthouse in the area, following two others built during the 1800’s. Two styles are pictured here and the original one may have been only a post lantern type of warning light.