Along with the 19th-century boom in Great Lakesmaritime trade came the very real threat of shipwreAlong with the 19th-century boom in Great Lakes maritime trade came the very real threat of shipwrecks, so lighthouses sprouted up along the lake shores in large numbers. Our aerial image shows Sturgeon Point Light in northeastern Michigan, situated near a dangerous reef that extends more than a mile off Sturgeon Point into Lake Huron. First lit in 1869 and in operation ever since, the lighthouse tower and keeper's house were built in the Cape Cod style, an architectural motif originating in New England but very popular during the heyday of Midwest lighthouse construction. There was a lot of building going on in Michigan—it boasts more than 120 listed lighthouses still standing—more than any other state... See more See less
