Menominee North Pier Lighthouse

Half of the Menominee Light is in Wisconsin while the other half is in Michigan.

The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse stands tall and proud at the entrance of the Menominee River, where it joins Lake Michigan. Located on the border between Wisconsin and Michigan, this historic beacon has been guiding sailors since 1877. As you approach the lighthouse, you can’t help but be captivated by its striking red brick construction and classic white concrete base.

Menominee North Pier Lighthouse

(More photos coming soon)

One of the most intriguing aspects of the Menominee North Pier Lighthouse is its unique dual-state status. Half of the lighthouse sits in Wisconsin while the other half rests in Michigan. This unusual division serves as a gentle reminder that borders needn’t divide us; they can simply enhance our appreciation for shared history and natural beauty.

Standing atop this majestic structure (open seasonally) offers breathtaking panoramic views of both states, with Lake Michigan stretching out endlessly before your eyes. As waves crash against the pier below, you may even catch a glimpse of freighters gracefully making their way through these Great Lakes waters – a true testament to mankind’s ability to work harmoniously with nature.

Visiting Menominee North Pier Lighthouse allows you to step back in time while experiencing an enchanting blend of history and scenic wonderment. Close your eyes and imagine being transported back to a simpler era when sailors relied on these beacons to guide them home safely. With each visit, this remarkable symbol reminds us not only of our rich maritime heritage but also our interconnectedness as fellow adventurers sailing upon Life’s great waters.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse Historic Panorama

Here is a “colorized” image from more than a century ago.

Built in 1858, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse stands as a beacon of history for the small towns of Fenwick Island, Delaware and Ocean City, Maryland.

fenwick island lighthouse colorized panorama
Fenwick Island Lighthouse “colorized” panorama photograph.

Looking way back, this panorama photograph of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in coastal Delaware was created and colorized from an 1891 faded black and white image downloaded from the United States National Archive website.

fenwick island light station from national archives
The Fenwick Island Light Station from the National Archives, National Museum of American History

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse Station has been aiding navigation for mariners since August 1, 1859. Today, the historic structure is a popular tourist destination, especially for photography enthusiasts. The “Fenwick Light” is an historic landmark located in southernmost Delaware right at the border with Ocean City, Maryland.

fenwick island lighthouse abstract panorama image
Fenwick island Lighthouse Panorama processed as an abstract to give it a more “painterly” appearance.

Oldest Lighthouse in Delaware

A quote from the website: “The official opening of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, when the light was first lit as an aid to navigation, was on August 1, 1859.” That makes the Fenwick Island Light the oldest lighthouse in Delaware.

fenwick island lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting
Fenwick Island Lighthouse as a simulated canvas painting.

Visit a website about: The Fenwick Island Lighthouse

Link to: The Panorama Photograph

Link to: The Abstract Panorama Image

Link to: The Simulated Canvas Painting of the Lighthouse

Link to: Fenwick Island Lighthouse Wall Art Collection


National Lighthouse Day is August 7th

Celebrating the commissioning of the first Federal Lighthouse…

It was on the Seventh Day of August in 1789 that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouse, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, in 1989 Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7 as National Lighthouse Day.

Collection of Lighthouses by Bill Swartwout Photography
Collection of Lighthouse Photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography

The Lighthouse Act of 1789 was approved by Congress, ensuring the upkeep and repair of Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers “shall be defrayed out of the treasury of the United States.”

National Lighthouse Day was first celebrated 200 years later when President Ronald Reagan signed Senate Judiciary Resolution 306 of the 100th Congress into law.

I have several lighthouse photographs available on a variety of substrates (Prints, Canvas, Metal, Acrylic, Matted & Framed) in my Gallery at Pictorem. These are all available with Free Ground Shipping throughout the United States and Canada.

Shopping Link: https://www.pictorem.com/gallery/Bill.Swartwout.Photography?keyword=Lighthouse


Sunrise Over Fenwick Island, DE

While the silhouetted trees may look like the Serengeti, it really is coastal Delaware.

Of course, we do not find lighthouses in the desert, but here we do see the Fenwick Island Lighthouse in silhouette – just to the right of the rising sun. Some photographers will add a “flying shore bird or two” into scenes like this. But not here, that seagull is doing a photobomb on his own volition, without realizing the importance of his appearance.

Sunrise Over Fenwick Island, Delaware

A sunrise is suppose to be full of vivid color, right? Well, not always. Often, a black and white presentation helps to define textures and outlines. Monochrome images are also useful in modern home decor and/or in an office setting. This landscape seems to work well in both color and B&W. What do YOU think. Please let me know your thoughts in the comments area at the bottom of the page.

Sunrise Over Fnwick Island DE in Black and White

Click these links now for more information, see larger images and to browse or purchase.

Link: Sunrise over Fenwick Island

Link: Sunrise over Fenwick Island in Black and White

Link to: Bill’s Fenwick Island Collection at Fine Art America

Link to: Bill’s Fenwick Island Collection at Pictorem (w/ Free Shipping)

Sunrise over Fenwick Island by Bill Swartwout. This photograph depicts the sun rising above the Atlantic Ocean and above the town of Fenwick Island, Delaware. This is one of a kind photograph is available digitally printed in vivid color or black and white on archival fine art paper or museum-quality canvas.