Watch Lighthouses of the Great Lakes

As someone who resides along the coast of the Great Lakes, it is difficult to not be in constant awe of the remarkable lighthouses that line the shores. These stoic and steadfast sentinels have captivated the minds and hearts of sailors, mariners, and visitors for generations. And it is with great excitement that I can confidently say that the documentary Lighthouses of the Great Lakes does an exceptional job of capturing the history, beauty, and enchantment of these unique structures.

Canada boasts over 400 lighthouses while the United States has over 1200, with a great many of them located along the shores of the Great Lakes. During the early years of their existence, these lighthouses were essential navigational tools for sailors in the area. They could identify their location based on the unique characteristics of each lighthouse's light. Whether those navigational tools were unique flashes of light or frequencies, it is this kind of history that the documentary explores.

At its core, Lighthouses of the Great Lakes is a stunning visual journey through the history, technology, and legacy of the region's lighthouses. The cinematography captures the natural beauty of the Great Lakes and the structures that stand watch over them. And as gorgeous as the cinematography is, it is the personal stories of individuals whose lives have been touched by these lighthouses that take this film to another level. Whether it is the stories of former lighthouse keepers or families who have lived in these isolated locations for generations, there is a real sense of connection to these lighthouses that is palpable throughout this documentary.

The documentary is hosted by Terry Pepper, an author, and recognized lighthouse historian in the Great Lakes area. Pepper provides insightful commentary and information about individual lighthouses, their history, and the critical role they played in the region's maritime industry.

But it is not just about the lighthouses themselves. Lighthouses of the Great Lakes presents an engaging narrative that delves into the cultural and environmental importance of these structures. Rather than simple brick and mortar buildings scattered across the coastline, these lighthouses are a representation of the heritage and history of the Great Lakes region. They represent the importance of water travel, the hard work of lighthouse keepers and their families, and the role that they played in developing the coastal communities that they served. The documentary does an excellent job of exploring the critical function of these structures in the past as well as their place in today's world.

The film presents lighthouses from all over the Great Lakes area, from the majestic Split Rock Lighthouse in Minnesota to the photogenic Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse in Michigan. Other lighthouses featured in the documentary include the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in Harrisville, Michigan, which has remained in continuous operation since its construction in 1869. And the Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, which despite a tragic incident where a lighthouse keeper's family died in the 1800s, continues to guide mariners on the northeastern shores of Michigan.

The documentary also highlights the technological advances that have made these lighthouses even more effective. When ships at sea started to adopt radio technology to call for help, many lighthouses began to install wireless telegraph stations which allowed them to maintain contact with ships at sea. In the film, we see the elegant interior of the Round Island Lighthouse in Michigan, which was renovated in the early twentieth century to fulfill this specific purpose.

In summary, Lighthouses of the Great Lakes does an excellent job of highlighting the unique character and history of the lighthouses of the Great Lakes. From the perilous lives of the lighthouse keepers to the technological advancements that made them even more effective, the film explores the essential role that lighthouses played in the development of the Great Lakes region. With exceptional cinematography, storytelling, and commentary, this film is an essential watch for anyone interested in maritime history, engineering, or for those who merely appreciate the beauty of these structures.