The Statue of Liberty was a once a lighthouse. From 1886 to 1902 the Statue of Liberty was considered a navigational aid, a lighthouse, and under the control of the Lighthouse Board. Not because it was an important navigational aid, but because of budget and politics. Even the Statue of Liberty had decades of difficulty finding proper funding. Designation as a lighthouse gave it access to funding.
Lighthouses across the US were built and funded because they were crucial to navigation, safety, and thus economically important. As time has passed, and technology marched forward, lighthouses became less and less vital to navigation. And funding dried up. Many lighthouses have crumbled into ruins.
The sale of lighthouses to private individuals has succeeded in saving numerous historical properties. With easy road access, lighthouses can be restored and converted to museums or private residences. But what about those on remote islands? Or no island at all?
How about a bed and breakfast in the middle of Lake Michigan? I love the idea. This excellent adventure found me. Maybe. But before I attempt to convince my wife, I will have to convince myself. A wave of claustrophobia rolls in as I look at the pictures. How wide are those stairs? How high are the ceilings? Would I fit?
