Welcome to Naubinway Island Light. This lighthouse is a symbol of resilience and history on the shores of Lake Michigan. While the specifics of its founding are somewhat elusive, Naubinway is steeped in history that intertwines with the indigenous peoples of the region and the European settlers who followed. Naubinway, derived from the Ojibwe language, means ‘sits and keeps watch for something,’ an apt description for a lighthouse, don’t you think?
In the mid-19th century, the area began to see European settlers, such as William Boucha, who was involved in the fur trade. The community itself started as a lumbering hub around 1880, during the lumber boom in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This small but vibrant community quickly became a center for large lumber companies, with the Canadian Pacific Railway playing a crucial role in transporting lumber from the area. The railway and Naubinway’s position on Lake Michigan also helped establish it as a significant port for commercial fishing, which remains a vital part of its economy today.
The lighthouse, though not specifically detailed in the available records, would have served as a crucial navigational aid for ships braving the sometimes treacherous waters of Lake Michigan, guiding them safely to the shores of Naubinway. It would have been a silent witness to the bustling activity of the port and the daily lives of the local people.
Though the heyday of lumber has passed, Naubinway remains a charming community, drawing visitors for its natural beauty and historical significance. Today, the Naubinway Island Light stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of this small but historically rich community.
