Marblehead Lighthouse
Nearly Two Centuries of Maritime Hospitality

by Marilyn Loeser

There’s something romantic about a lighthouse, guiding sailors through dangerous seas and back to port where their family and loved ones wait for their safe return.

Marblehead Lighthouse in Marblehead, Ohio, is the oldest lighthouse in continuous operation on the Great Lakes, warning ships away from the rocky shores of Marblehead Peninsula since 1822.

The wind off Lake Erie was chilled with the promise of winter the day I gazed upon the historic monument to American, Ohio and nautical history.

Counting off groups of 10, a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary told me the time my tour would be able to ascend the steps to the top and the enchanting view of Lake Erie and beyond.

Lighthouse Legacy

In 1819, our young nation recognized the need for navigational aides along the Great Lakes and set aside $5,000 for construction of a 50-foot light tower at the entrance of Sandusky Bay.
The first keeper, Revolutionary War veteran Benajah Wolcott, lit whale oil lamps that reflected against 16-inch metal reflectors to project the light across the lake. The whale oil lamps were replaced in 1858 by the light from a single kerosene lantern magnified by a Fresnel lens. This specialized, curved glass lens created a highly visible, fixed white light.

For more than 50 years, lighthouse keepers lived in a stone house three miles away. It was replaced in 1880 with a wooden frame home which today serves as a museum.

The next major change was the addition of 15 feet to the tower’s height at the turn of the last century, along with a mechanized lantern. This system required the lighthouse keeper to crank the weights every three hours through the night to keep the lantern turning.

This was followed by an electric light to replace the kerosene lantern in 1923 and was fully automated in 1958.

In 1946 the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibility for the beacon and in 1972 the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) began maintaining the property surrounding the lighthouse. This relationship merged again when ownership of the tower was transferred to ODNR.

The Coast Guard continues to operate and maintain the lighthouse beacon.

From the Top

Throughout the year, thousands of visitors scale the lighthouse's spiral stairway. Tours are offered on summer weekdays after Memorial Day until the Friday before Labor Day and the second Saturday of the month June through October.

Once at the top, the view is all encompassing — Cedar Point amusement park with its world-famous roller coasters reaching into the Ohio sky, ferries traversing from Catawba Island to Kelleys Island, and sailboats and fishing vessels sharing the azure waters.

The lighthouse, the keeper’s house with its informative displays and the bird’s eye view of the lake and islands make this a destination worth seeking out.

For more information:

Marblehead Lighthouse: http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/tabid/763/default.aspx

Original light keeper’s house: http://www.thekeepershouse.org/

Accommodations: http://www.ourguestinn.com 

I’ve stayed at Ourguest Inn, located at 220 E. Perry St. in Port Clinton, several times. Its central location makes it easy to visit all the attractions in Ottawa County. Friendly and efficient staff make this a good choice, especially if you’re staying in the area for a few days.

Other area attractions and information: http://www.lake-erie.com
The best way to start your visit is to visit the Lake Erie Islands Regional Welcome Center. It’s one of the finest welcome centers I’ve ever visited and includes museum-quality displays of the many recreational, historic and family-friendly attractions here.