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Location DB > Canada > Ontario > Dunville > Mowhawk Island LightHouse
 Name
Mowhawk Island LightHouse
 Viewing Options
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 Database Info
created by Wolfmaan on 8/10/2008 1:54 PM
last modified by Emperor Wang on 8/5/2022 1:46 PM
 Viewability
Publically Viewable Publically Viewable
This location has been labeled by its creator as Public, and therefore can be viewed by anyone.
 Overview
 Description
Approaching the island today, much of the original lighthouse still remains. Noise from the seabirds can be heard from several hundred metres off the coast. A large yellow sign is in place on the North side of the island which states that the island is off limits between April 1st and July 31st due to sea bird nesting.

The island itself lays low to the water and is made of bare stone which is rich in fossils of worms, leaves, snails, and other pre-historic creatures. The area is covered in zebra mussels and of course bird droppings. The old Light Keepers House and Lighthouse still stand tall over the small 2 hectare island. As you walk along the island, hundreds of sea birds are visible and fly overhead. Birds such as the Ringbill & Herring Gull, Common & Caspin Turn, and even the Comorant will “sound the alarm” as you walk past. Approaching the ruins of the lighthouse you can see large portions have broken off and crumbled, but the building itself is still intact, save the porch area which has succumbed to the fury of Lake Erie. Part of the house has some scaffolding attached to it, and the house itself has managed to serve as a refuge for wild plants who have taken hold. The island is dotted with dead birds and the old house is no exception. The house is attached to the lighthouse, but has a deep layer of bird poop on the floor as the stone cylinder interior is a perfect nesting place.
 Basic Information
Type: Building
Status: Abandoned
Accessibility: Boat Access Only
Recommendation: worth the trip
 Physical Information
Address
Lake Erie
Dunville, Ontario
Canada
Owner: Government Of Canada (Crown Land)
  • See a map of this location
  •  Hazards
  • rust
  • unsafe flooring
  • water
  • Bird Feces
  •  Interesting Features
    - Lots of sea birds
    - Unusual Location
    - Lots of fossils on the island itself
     Security Measures
  • Patrolled by Coast Guard for Vandals
  •  Historical Dates
    Built: 1846
    Closed: 1964
     Required Equipment
  • flashlight
  • long pants / sleeves
  • Boat
  •  Recommended Equipment

     History
    Lying about 2km off the North Shore of Lake Erie, a small island – which can be seen from shore on a clear day, sits silently. What attracts you to this island is the ghostly image of a lighthouse and attached building.

    The island is known as “Gull Island” by locals, but is formally called “Mowhawk Island” the island is crown land. It's owned by the Government of Canada and often patrolled by the Coast Guard to prevent vandalism.

    Built in 1846 by engineer John Brown using shale and limestone from Queenston Quarry, the island was used to keep ships sailing on lake Erie safe from the shallows of Mowhawk Reef and mark Mowhawk Bay, near the mouth of the grand river, a major shipping lane of the time. The island was used from 1849 to 1964 and took the lives of two men who were leaving the island to come home for Christmas in 1932.


    Just past the island is a small marina known as the Mowhawk Marina. Inside you will find Mike Walker, president of the Mowhawk Island Preservation Society who is more than happy to discuss the island and all it's details, including his plans for raising funds through public awareness to someday restore the lighthouse and keepers house on the island.

    The island is truly a piece of marine history of the Great Lakes and certainly deserves to be remembered.
     Media Coverage

     Future Plans
    The Mowhawk Island Preservation Society is attempting to raise funds to restore the building and lighthouse to it's original form.
     Stories
    200808-02 Visit
    Sat, Aug 2nd, 2008
    posted by Wolfmaan


    Add your own story
     Photo Galleries
    Click to view gallery
    200808-02 Visit
    Sat, Aug 2nd, 2008
    posted by Wolfmaan
    24 pictures
    Click to view gallery
    Two Flights To Gull Island - August 2 2022
    Fri, Aug 5th, 2022
    posted by The Secret Lens
    22 pictures


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     Moderator Rating
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     Validation
    This location's validation is current. It was last validated by Emperor Wang on 8/5/2022 1:47 PM.

     Latest Changes
  • on Aug 5 22 at 13:47, Emperor Wang validated this location
  • on Aug 5 22 at 13:46, Emperor Wang changed the following: History, Interesting Features
  • on Aug 5 22 at 2:39, The Secret Lens added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Aug 5 22 at 2:38, The Secret Lens added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Aug 5 22 at 2:28, The Secret Lens added some pictures to a gallery
  • on Aug 5 22 at 2:14, The Secret Lens created a new gallery
  • on Aug 11 08 at 2:44, Steed validated this location
  • on Aug 10 08 at 22:14, Wolfmaan updated a story
  • on Aug 10 08 at 22:14, Wolfmaan updated a story
  • on Aug 10 08 at 22:13, Wolfmaan updated a story
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