Holland Harbor / Holland Harbor Lighthouse
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Go Boilers!
N 42° 46.412 W 086° 12.686
16T E 564509 N 4735968
Historical marker located at Holland State Park honoring Big Red.
Waymark Code: WM9EG2
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 08/09/2010
Views: 15
The marker tells the history of the harbor on one side and "Big Red" lighthouse on the other side.
You can reach the marker by taking the "barrier free" path along the water to the north breakwall. You will see the marker to your left as you are heading to the breakwall. After reading the marker, walk a little farther down the path to get an unobtructed view of "Big Red".
On one side, the marker reads:
"Holland Harbor Lighthouse
The first lighthouse built at this location was a small, square wooden structure erected in 1872. In 1880 the lighthouse service installed a new light atop a metal pole in a protective cage. The oil lantern was lowered by pulleys for service. At the turn of the century a steel tower was built for the light, and in 1907 the present structure was erected. Named the Holland Harbor South Pierhead Lighthouse, it has a gabled roof that reflects the Dutch influence in the area. The lighthouse, popularly referred to as "Big Red," was automated in 1932. When the U. S. Coast Guard recommended that it be abandoned in 1970, citizens circulated petitions to rescue it. The Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission was then organized to preserve and restore this landmark. "
On the other side, the marker reads:
"Holland Harbor
When seeking a location for his Netherlands emigrant followers in 1847, the Reverend A. C. Van Raalte was attracted by the potential of using Black Lake (Lake Macatawa) as a harbor. However, the lake's outlet to Lake Michigan was blocked by sandbars and silt. Van Raalte appealed to Congress for help. The channel was surveyed in 1849, but was not successfully opened due to inadequate appropriations. Frustrated, the Dutch settlers dug the channel themselves. On July,1 1859, the small steamboat Huron put into port. Here, in 1886, the government established the harbor's first lifesaving station. By 1899 the channel had been relocated and harbor work completed. This spurred business and resort expansion. In 1900 over 1,095 schooners, steamers and barges used the harbor. "
Historical Date: 07/01/1859
Historical Name: Reverend A. C. Van Raalte , The Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission
Description:
Text too long - see above
Parking nearby?: yes
D/T ratings: 
website: [Web Link]
Registered Site #: 394
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Visit Instructions:Take a photo of your GPS at the marker. We'd prefer a photo of you with your GPS, but we realize that sometimes that's just not possible or preferable.
Also include a bit about your visit to the marker.
NEW: Instructions for logging Missing Marker Visits.
If the Marker is missing, but still listed here, you must provide a photo of you at the actual item historically honored. (This should be the waymark's "default" image). Indicate in your log that you took your photo at the Historical Location instead of the marker, because the marker was missing. Please also still include a bit about your visit to the site.