South Manitou Lighthouse 97

This panoramic photo was taken by Brad Cavanaugh of the South Manitou Lighthouse. South Manitou Island was once the center of civilization and commerce in the Manitou Passage. Settlement of this area of Michigan actually began on this little island primarily because of it's protected natural deep-water harbor. The island was densely forested, so when steamers began to sail the Great Lakes, it's strategic location between Chicago and the Straits of Mackinac, made it the best place to take on firewood for their boilers. Construction of the South Manitou light began in 1839.