Split Rock Lighthouse (Mn Historic Site Pamphlets) [Paperback]

Minnesota Historical Society (Author)

Book Description

Series: Mn Historic Site Pamphlets | Publication Date: June 15, 1993

Built in 1910, five years after a catastrophic storm damaged thirty vessels on Lake Superior, Split Rock Lighthouse stands lonely watch atop the rugged one-hundred-foot cliff that made construction a unique challenge. This book tells the story of the powerful people who fought to have the beacon built and the modest keepers whose vigilance kept ships safe on the world's largest and most dangerous lake. Recollections by the keepers' children -- and family photographs -- recount the hardships and pleasures of life at the isolated North Shore sentinel.

Product Details

• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: Minnesota Historical Society Press; Rev Sub edition (June 15, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873512758
• ISBN-13: 978-0873512756
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.2 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,622,223 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Photography > Travel > United States > Midwest
  • #52 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > General
  • #57 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Transportation > Ships > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Picturesque, September 17, 2002

By 

Seth Musselman (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Split Rock Lighthouse (Mn Historic Site Pamphlets) (Paperback)

This booklet does a fine job of describing Minnesota's Split Rock Lighthouse. Using pictures, drawings and interviews, the author gives an accurate picture of the history and functions of this historic structure. Besides the lighthouse there is also the fog signal building.

The storms of 1905 on Lake Superior made the need for a new lighthouse apparent. Numerous ships were destroyed or damaged that year during the shipping season. And over 100 lives were lost on the Great Lakes in 1905 due to ships crashing on the rocks or sinking in the storms.

In 1907, Congress approved funding for the construction of a lighthouse and fog signal at Split Rock. Construction began in 1909 and finished in 1910.

Mr. Hall does a good job of describing several of the men who worked at Split Rock prior to WWII. And he also recounts many of the stories of the children of the lighthouse keepers. They lived in the homes built next to the lighthouse.

Mr. Hall also gives a thorough and accurate description of the technology used to create an effective and timely light in the tower.

"...the opening of the North Shore highway in 1924" was the seminal event in making the lighthouse a major tourist attraction. Once the lighthouse was accessible, the tourists came to see it. According to the author, Split Rock received "...five times as many visitors as any other station" in the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

Split Rock's fog signal ceased operations in 1961. And the lighthouse followed in 1969. But the tourists have continued on.

In summary, Mr. Hall gives a very well done survey of Split Rock Lighthouse. Its construction, history and people are all covered here.