This lighthouse is located in Michigan City, Indiana and is now a museum. The original lighthouse was built in 1837 but later replaced by this one in 1858. This lighthouse was constructed using Joliet stone for the foundation and Milwaukee brick for the super structure. On the north end of the lighthouse was the lantern which housed a fixed light with a Fresnel lens. The light could be seen for 15 miles. Originally, sperm oil fueled the beacon. In all kinds of weather the lighthouse keeper had to climb to the lantern room twice each night at dusk and midnight, then trim the wick, polish the reflectors, and recharge the fuel source with lard oil or kerosene. In cold weather the lard would sometimes congeal before reaching the light and this meant a return trip for the keeper after it was reheated. At daybreak the process was repeated and the light extinguished. Then, in 1887 the light atop the lighthouse was kept lit year round rather than only during the shipping season which was from April to November.
The lighthouse which also served as the keepers living quarters was remodeled in 1904 and enlarged by adding two rooms to each floor on the north side. This resulted in duplex apartments and enabled the keeper and his family to using all three floors on the east, and the assistant keeper to use those rooms on the west.
On October 20, 1904 the lantern was moved to Michigan City's harbor light where its beacon was seen until removal in 1980. At the time of my visit to this lighthouse / museum in 1998, the original Fresnel Lens was on display in the museum.
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