The lighthouse is located seven miles northeast of Port Hope on the point of the thumb area of the state of Michigan. This is on the coast of Lake Huron.
Because this part of the lake has some shallow spots and is treacherous (especially during storms) for ships, a Life Saving station was built near the lighthouse in 1875.
In the mid 1800's about 2,000 ships were traveling the great lakes and many passed this point in Lake Huron.
In April, 1880 they answered a distress signal from the J.R. Macgruder. A crew of seven men began rowing out toward the ship. The stormy waters took six of the seven rowers. This is the first recorded life loss among the Life Savors on the lake.
In November of 1877 the Berlin ran aground. After rowing 8 miles, the oarsmen saved 2 crewmen. Four other crewmen lost their lives that day.
In September of 1879 the Jacob Bertchy hit ground and started taking on water. The Lifesaqving crew rescued 33 crewmwmbers and 19 passengers during a night long rescue effort.
In 1906 the entire crew of the Wyoming was rescued. The Life Savors made four trips, rowing about 32 miles at night in a storm.
If you are going to be near Caseville, Port Austin or Bad Axe in the thumb, a visit to this lighthouse is well worth the effort. Historical information is available at the lighthouse. You can visit the web site www.PointeauxBarquesLighthouse.Org