Indiana lighthouses have a rich history and some of these houses are reportedly haunted. Lighthouses serve as beacons to boats and ships; the bright, steady lights displaying the entrance to a harbor or to warn of a dangerous reef.
Indiana’s coastline may be short, only 45 miles; however, this state boasts several functional lighthouses. The southern end of Lake Michigan meets Indiana; this is where Indiana lighthouses may be found. Lighthouses use a fresnel lens, this type of lens uses a large aperture with a short focal length allowing lighthouses to be visible over a great distance.
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Michigan City, Indiana, sits on the southern end of Lake Michigan and has several lighthouses. The Michigan City Old Lighthouse was first constructed in 1837; this lighthouse has been through many renovations during the years, mainly due to deterioration or fire. In some cases, lighthouses are constructed on a pier; thus, creating significant ports of lights in harbors and shipping lanes.
Michigan City Pierhead Lighthouses have served the waterways of this area since 1871. Three separate lighthouses were created to serve mariners. The East Pierhead Light & Fog Signal was erected in 1904, the West Pierhead Lighthouse in 1905, and the Breakwater Lighthouse in 1910. These lighthouses and their signals made it possible for safe travel in and out of the Michigan City harbor. Other Indiana lighthouses include Calumet Harbor, Indiana Harbor 2, Indiana Harbor East Breakwater, and Buffington Harbor Breakwater.
Indiana lighthouses are both beautiful and functional. Lake Michigan is infamous for treacherous storms with foul weather. Without these lighthouses, many ships would have been lost.
