Marblehead in Ottawa County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Marblehead Lighthouse
Let's Get Historic
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 8, 2024
1. Marblehead Lighthouse Marker
Marblehead Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, has guided sailors safely along the Marblehead Peninsula's rocky shores since 1822. Throughout its history, fifteen lighthouse keepers, two of whom were women, have tended the beacon. Benajah Wolcott, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the first settlers on the peninsula, was the first keeper. Upon Wolcott's death in 1832, his wife, Rachel, took over these duties.
The U.S. Congress set aside $5,000 in 1819 to construct the 50-foot tower using native limestone. Originally lit by whale-oil candles, the Marblehead Lighthouse now guides ships to shore using LED light projecting a green signal that flashes every six seconds and is visible for eleven nautical miles.
Erected by Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. (Marker Number 3.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.
Location. 41° 32.187′ N, 82° 42.745′ W. Marker is in Marblehead, Ohio, in Ottawa County. Marker is on Lighthouse Drive, 0.2 miles east of Ohio
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lake Erie (a few steps from this marker); The View From Here (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Marblehead Lighthouse (a few steps from this marker); The Light / The Keepers of the Light (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Marblehead Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The View From Here (within shouting distance of this marker); U.S. Lifesaving Station Marblehead, Ohio (within shouting distance of this marker); Winslow Griesser (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marblehead.
Photographed By Craig Doda, June 8, 2024
2. Marblehead Lighthouse Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
