Welcome to the Devil’s Island Lighthouse, a beacon of history and resilience located in the Apostle Islands of Wisconsin. Established in 1891, this lighthouse stands as a witness to the maritime history of Lake Superior. Its creation was driven by the need to guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the Apostle Islands, which were notorious for unpredictable weather and hidden shoals.
The lighthouse was initially equipped with a fourth-order Fresnel lens, a technological marvel of its time, designed to project light far across the lake. Over the years, it has seen numerous keepers tend to its lamp, battling harsh winters and isolation to ensure the light never faltered. One notable figure was Keeper William P. Van Ostrand, who served during the early 20th century. His dedication is remembered through stories of his perseverance and the community he helped foster among the lighthouse families.
In the broader context of maritime navigation, Devil’s Island Lighthouse was part of a network that safeguarded the shipping lanes crucial for trade and transport across the Great Lakes. The lighthouse’s strategic importance was underscored during World War II when it played a role in monitoring for enemy submarines, a little-known chapter in its storied history.
As technology advanced, the lighthouse underwent automation in 1978, marking the end of the era of lighthouse keepers. Despite these changes, the structure itself remains remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the past for visitors today.
One compelling story from its history is the tale of a fierce storm in 1905, when the lighthouse’s light guided the stricken steamer, Sevona, to safety, saving countless lives. Such events highlight the critical role this lighthouse played in maritime safety.
Today, the Devil’s Island Lighthouse stands not just as a navigational aid, but as a monument to the human spirit’s ability to adapt and endure. Its legacy continues to be a point of pride and historical interest in the Apostle Islands.
