Michigan City Breakwater Light

The Michigan City Breakwater Light was a lighthouse erected at Michigan City, within the state of Illinois. As a beacon, it occupied a position on the breakwater that marked a point for ships. Its function was to aid navigation along the nearby waters, alerting mariners to the presence of land. Sailors could rely on its illumination to avoid hazards along the shoreline. The light contributed to safe passage for vessels approaching the area.

The tower formed the core of the lighthouse, bearing a lantern that emitted a beam of light. The light served as a navigational aid, providing a visual reference after dark. The tower’s construction allowed the lantern to be visible from the surrounding water, ensuring that ships could detect the signal from a distance.

The light was first lit in 1904 and continued to operate until its destruction in 1909. Throughout its years of service the lighthouse never received an automated lighting system, remaining under manual control until it was lost.

Because the tower was destroyed in 1909, no active light exists at the site today. The original lighthouse is no longer standing, so there is no interior or exterior structure to visit.