[5] Reefs, shoals and islands presented an increasing danger to freighters as commerce developed in the area.

[8] Beginning mid-nineteenth century, with the copper boom in the Keweenaw Peninsula, the Huron Islands were a navigational hazard to vessels following the coast to/from Portage River, Michigan.

[3] The survey crew chose the highest point on Lighthouse Island, the westernmost of the group[10] as the location for the light.

With the exception of 205 feet (62 m) Grand Island North Light, this is the highest focal plane in the western Great Lakes.

[11] The lighthouse was constructed in 1868, along with a privy, oil house, boat dock, and tramway,[8] and was first lit on October 20 of that year.

[4] The station is 11⁄2 stories tall and built from granite, with a square light tower, 39 feet (12 m) in height, integrated into the structure.