[2] In 1906 the United States Congress was notified by the Lighthouse Board that a light was required to warn ships of the dangerous ledge protruding from the island for about three and a half miles.

After consulting the Department of Commerce, who agreed that it would be an appropriate place for a lighthouse, Congress dispatched a survey team to judge the area.

In 1908, the captain of the survey team announced that the eastern end of Michigan Island would be a better place for a light, and an extra $15,000 should be added to the existing $85,000 cost.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania an automated pole light had recently been built to replace the 112-foot (34 m) skeletal tower.

[3] The light characteristic, displayed at 56 feet (17 m), is one white flash every two and a half (Fl W 2.5s) visible for 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi).