South Manitou Island is crescent-shaped. Along the east side is a deep harbor where ships sought refuge from battering seas that were born in southern Lake Michigan and the Wisconsin side. Steamers also pulled in to get cordwood to power their steam engines. In 1838, a report presented to the Secretary of the Treasury from Lt. James Homans stated: "As all the steamboats sailing on the upper lakes visit this place for a supply of fuel, or for shelter in storms (for the latter purposes used by all other vessels) thus continually in use by some of the shipping.... The value of this harbor is more enhanced by its being the only one admitting the largest vessels in all weather, in the direct route between the Straits of Mackinac and Chicago--a distance of 300 miles." The importance of South Manitou Island and its harbor for navigating the Manitou Passage led to the construction of the South Manitou Lighthouse in 1839. With greater traffic in schooners and especially steamers in the 1860's and 1870's, a more powerful light was needed. The recommendation for a tower (lighthouse) made in 1869 states: "It [lighthouse] is also a guide to a harbor of refuge which is probably more used than any others on the entire chain of lakes, and it is frequently impossible to distinguish the present light from those on board of vessels at anchor." Today, you can visit South Manitou Island via the Manitou Island Transit from Leland. One can visit the South Manitou Lighthouse and walk to the top of the light, or take a guided tour of the Island. There is also a visitor center on the Island.

CLICK FOR LARGER PHOTO The Steamer Edward Buckley loading logs on the South Manitou main dock ©1999 Thomas Kachadurian

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