Vermilion, Ohio, boasts a rich maritime history deeply tied to its iconic lighthouse. The original lighthouse, constructed in 1847, was a wooden structure that underwent renovations in 1859, including the addition of a whale oil lamp and a Fresnel lens. However, by 1877, it was replaced by an iron lighthouse, cast from recycled Civil War cannons. This iron sentinel guided ships on Lake Erie for many years.
In 1927, the original iron lighthouse was dismantled and replaced with a smaller, automated tower. It wasn’t until 1992 that Vermilion welcomed back a piece of its maritime heritage. A replica of the original 1877 iron lighthouse was constructed and placed near Main Street Beach in downtown Vermilion. This replica stands today as a beloved symbol of the town’s nautical past.
Vermilion’s lighthouse played a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation for ships entering and exiting the Vermilion River. Today, the replica lighthouse serves as a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors who wish to connect with the town’s maritime history.
For more information, you can visit the following websites:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vermilion_Light
Discover Vermilion: https://www.discoververmilion.org/news-and-events/news/params/post/4139105/1877-vermilion-lighthouse
Lighthouse Friends: https://www.lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=280