National Register Listing

Frankfort North Breakwater Light

a.k.a. Frankfort Breakwater Light

North breakwater offshore end, 0.4 mi. SW of Main St. and Michigan Ave., Frankfort, MI
Local significance of the structure:
Commerce; Transportation; Maritime History; Architecture; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce transportation maritime architecture engineering stagecoach routes, stands
Audiobooks about the history of Michigan.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan was once a major center for copper mining. The Keweenaw Peninsula was home to the largest concentration of copper mines in the world in the mid-19th century, and copper was an important natural resource for the state's economy.
Michigan random facts
Benzie County, Michigan, located in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula, has a rich history that dates back centuries. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa and Chippewa. The first European explorers arrived in the 17th century, with French fur traders establishing trade relations with the indigenous peoples.

The county was officially established in 1863, named after Benjamin Franklin. Early settlers began to arrive, attracted by the area's natural resources, including timber and fertile land for farming. Logging became a crucial industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to the construction of railroads and sawmills that transformed the landscape.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought a boost to the county's economy, facilitating further growth and development. Tourism also played a significant role in the county's history, with visitors drawn to the area's picturesque lakes, forests, and beaches. The establishment of resorts and the creation of Crystal Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore further attracted tourists to the region.

Today, Benzie County continues to thrive as a tourist destination, offering a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, such as camping, fishing, boating, and hiking. The county is also known for its vineyards and wineries, attracting visitors who enjoy wine tasting and exploring the local culinary scene. With a vibrant history and natural beauty, Benzie County remains a cherished part of Michigan's cultural and recreational landscape.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Benzie County, Michigan.

  • 1833 - Benzie County is founded and named after a Native American chief
  • 1840s - First settlers arrive in the area
  • 1858 - Benzie County is recognized as a legal entity
  • 1863 - First post office is established in the county
  • 1869 - First sawmill is built in Frankfort
  • 1883 - First train arrives in Frankfort, boosting the local economy
  • 1890 - Population of the county reaches over 7,000 people
  • 1929-1939 - Great Depression affects the county, leading to economic hardships
  • 1960s - Tourism begins to flourish as visitors discover the county's natural beauty
  • 2001 - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is established, becoming a major attraction
  • Present - Benzie County continues to be a popular tourist destination and a thriving community