The Most-Photographed Lighthouse In The State Is Just A Roadtrip Away From Cleveland
By Nikki Rhoades|Published March 22, 2021
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Nikki is a lifelong Ohioan with a love for literature. She holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Akron and has enjoyed publishing her written work since 2007. She has a love of travel and does so frequently, though she believes that home is where the heart is — she continues to work in and around Cleveland as a digital content specialist to this day, working on everything from commercial scripts and social media posts to grassroots marketing initiatives.
There’s something about lighthouses that is enchanting – even magical. Their life-giving lights once guided ships to shore, or otherwise warned boats of areas that were rocky or dangerous. Today, many of the traditional lighthouses on and around the Great Lakes are retired and have been replaced by more modern fixtures, but that’s certainly not true of all of them. In fact, one lighthouse on Lake Erie has continuously operated since 1822. The Marblehead Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in Ohio, and if you’ve never visited, it’s a lovely destination that merits a road trip from Cleveland. Pack some snacks for the road and buckle up, because this destination is going to blow you away.
Marblehead Lighthouse State Park is about 80 minutes away from Cleveland and this magnificent structure is worth every moment of the trip.
Believe it or not, this 200-year-old masterpiece is the oldest continually operated lighthouse in the entire country. Though it was automated in 1958, it is otherwise very much the same as when it was built in 1821.
In addition to being the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the nation, this beauty also has a history working women can appreciate.
Women have not always been a major portion of the U.S. workforce, but there were some trailblazers in every era that marched to the beat of their own drum as they made a living. This stunning lighthouse boasts the first female lighthouse keeper in U.S. history.
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The trailblazing lady lighthouse keeper did so after the lighthouse's first keeper, Benajah Wolcott, passed away unexpectedly.
Unfortunately, 1832 is a year that lived in infamy for generations. This was the era during which the cholera epidemic reached Northern Ohio, and Keeper Benajah Wolcott fell victim to it. His wife, Rachel, took the torch and carried on solo for two years before remarrying, passing on her duties to the lighthouse's third keeper, Jeremiah Van Benschoten.
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Today, the Keeper’s House stands alongside the historic structure with a dedication to preserving their joint history.
Though the home was constructed years after the lighthouse, it is now a museum. All in all, this former home housed 16 lighthouse keepers over the last two centuries.
Admittedly, however, the 50-foot tower with an impressive three and one-half order Fresnel lens is commanding enough to draw interest on its own.
With a range of 11 nautical miles, the light from this magnificent landmark operates as a navigation beacon to this very day. When the beacon was automated back in the 1950s, the exterior of the light was also updated... and renovation efforts continue to this day to ensure the longevity of this historic structure.
Upon arriving at the structure, you'll instantly understand how this beauty has become the most photographed lighthouse in Ohio... and on the Great Lakes, for that matter.
Scenic, historic, and lovingly maintained despite decades of service - the Marblehead Lighthouse truly is a beacon of hope, offering a glimpse into the past and alluding to the perseverance of a solid foundation.
Even in the coldest months of the year, Marblehead Lighthouse dazzles.
Whether in photographs or preserved in iconic stamp designs, this lovely edifice is striking all around. There's just something inherently photogenic about the structure!
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And its magnificent architecture continues to attract visitors to this day.
Even if the lighthouse is not open to the public at a given time, many visitors come just to gaze upon its silhouette against the backdrop of Lake Erie. The surrounding green space is perfect for a picnic, especially if you find the sound of Lake Erie's waters to be soothing.
The iconic Marblehead Lighthouse is well worth the trip from Cleveland.
It’s plain to see why the stunning Marblehead Lighthouse is the most photographed lighthouse in Ohio. This behemoth is majestic and historic, and it is situated on a plot of land that’s quaint and lovely. Have you ever visited this beautiful destination on Lake Erie? Tell us about your visit in the comments below!
