L i g h t h o u s e s o f t h e G r e a t L a k e s
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Marblehead
Lighthouse,
Ohio
Resting on the Marblehead Peninsula, a rocky headland of
Columbus Limestone that juts into Lake Erie, Marblehead Light-
house is one of Lake Erie's best known and most-photographed
landmarks. As the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on
the Great Lakes, Marblehead Lighthouse has guided sailors safe-
ly along the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822.
In 1819, the 15th U. S. Congress recognized the need for
navigational aides along the Great Lakes, and set aside $5,000
for construction of a light tower at the entrance to Sandusky
Bay. Contractor William Kelly built the 50-foot tower of native
limestone on the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula.
Through history, 15 lighthouse keepers, two of whom were
women, have tended the beacon. The fi rst keeper was Benajah
Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the fi rst settlers
on the peninsula. He and his family lived in a small stone home
on the Sandusky Bay side of the peninsula. Each night, he lit the
wicks of the 13 whale oil lamps that were the original light fi xture.
Sixteen-inch-diameter metal refl ectors helped project the light
across the lake.
Today Marblehead's beloved beacon continues to shine and
protect boaters from peril in Lake Erie's unpredictable waters
along her rocky shores and the U.S. Coast Guard continues to
operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon.
www.parks.ohiodnr.gov/marbleheadlighthouse
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