What are Chicago-area lighthouses used for?

For several month in 1976, John Bach had a unique job.

Chicago Harbor, IL - USLHS archives 

"I'm the only person I know that has ever been a lighthouse keeper," says Bach, who is now 70 and lives in Woodstock , Illinois.

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Click here to see more of Chicago Harbor on the USLHS Research Catalog

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War of 1812 mortar shells found at historic Dice Head Lighthouse, ME

A coastal Maine town has uncovered a link to early American history after mortar shells believed to date to the War of 1812 were found at a historic lighthouse.

Dice Head, ME - USLHS archives 

The discovery was made as the Castine Historical Society prepared Dyce Head Lighthouse for expanded public access and a new exhibit.

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Click here to see more of Dice Head on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Big Sable Point Lighthouse, MI, to have May 4 opening 'Star Wars' theme

Ludington's Big Sable Point Lighthouse will have its seasonal opening event from 1-5 p.m. May 4, with the theme of "May the 4th be with you."

Big Sable Point, MI - David Zapatka  

According to a Lakeshore Keepers news release, "visitors are invited to celebrate opening day with a playful nod" to "Star Wars."

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Click here to see more of Big Sable on the USLHS Research Catalog

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The Cape Florida Lighthouse, FL, came under attack during a war. See the backstory

When the Cape Florida Lighthouse was built in 1825 on the tip of Key Biscayne, it was a 65-foot structure made of steel and wood that was used mainly to spot pirate ships.

Cape Florida, FL - Ralph Krugler 

This lighthouse was attacked by Indians during the second Seminole War in July 1836, in which early settlers were driven out of the Miami area.

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Click here to see more of Cape Florida on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Marblehead Lighthouse, OH, beams for more than 200 years

Marblehead's rocky peninsula juts into Lake Erie as a dangerous point for sailors, but, for more than 200 years, the light from the Marblehead Lighthouse has burned bright in warning.

Marblehead, OH - Thomas A Tag 

The beauty of the iconic lighthouse is a favorite of photographers in weather both sunny and stormy.

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Click here to see more of Marblehead on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Back to the Map: Lights on the Atlantic

In their captivating map of lighthouses along the Atlantic coast, Mike Huff and Ryan Huff used a unique perspective and layout to map more than 600 lighthouses from Canada to Honduras. 

Lights on the Atlantic - Mike Huff 

We recently chatted with Huff to learn more about why and how he created this illuminating map.

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Historical Occupation Profiles - Lighthouse Keepers

Historical Occupation Profiles explain what ancestors actually did for a living and how those occupations shaped the records genealogists rely on today.

Lighthouse Keeper Thomas Knight - Ralph Krugler collection 

Lighthouse keepers maintained and operated lighthouses to guide ships safely along coastlines, rivers and harbors.

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Click here to see more about the keepers on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Step back in time on morning & sunset tours of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse, RI

Looking for a unique adventure this summer without going far from home?

Pomham Rocks, RI - Ralph Eshelman 

Friends of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse has scheduled tours to the historical island light station off the coast of East Providence from June 23 to September 17.

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Click here to see more of Pompham Rocks on the USLHS Research Catalog

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Lawmakers secure state funding to preserve, repair Mukilteo Light Station, WA

The historic residential buildings at the Mukilteo Light Station will soon receive much-needed repairs, thanks to new funding from the state's 2026 bipartisan supplemental capital budget.

Mukilteo, WA - USLHS archives 

Totaling $206,000, the project funding secured by Sen. Marko Liias, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, and Rep. Strom Peterson will help stabilize and preserve the keeper's quarters and associated residental structures at the Light Station after years of deferred maintenance. 

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Click here to see more of Mukilteo on the USLHS Research Catalog

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I grew up on a remote Tasmanian island as a lighthouse keeper's kid - here's what it taught me

Remember that kid's TV show Round the Twist, where the zany dad and his three kids lived in a haunted lighthouse?

Split Point, Australia- USLHS archives 

Well, that was my life from ages seven to 12, minus the ghosts - though we had a few strange moments of our own.

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U.S. Lighthouse Society News is produced by the U.S. Lighthouse Society to support lighthouse preservation, history, education and research.

If you have items of interest to the lighthouse community and its supporters, please email them to Ralph Krugler at ralph@uslhs.org 

Submitted by Ralph Krugler on