Yesterday was an absolutely incredible day! We ventured out onto Lake Michigan aboard the phenomenal cruise ship, “Odyssey”. I have so much to share with you about the cruise that I will be writing two posts about it: Part 1 & Part 2! But for today I wanted to show you this illuminating piece of navigational Chicago history.
While cruising the shoreline of Lake Michigan, we were able to get a closer shot of the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse. Built in 1893 for the World’s Columbian Exposition, the lighthouse was moved to its present location in 1919.
Although not ‘required’ for literally ‘seeing the light’ to safely guide mariners into port, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is still a beacon for those making their way into the harbor. GPS systems have replaced the need for the bright beams of a lighthouse; nonetheless, the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was declared an official landmark in 2003. It still shines brightly as a symbol of its long and significant maritime service of safety. I am sure that although a ship’s captain ‘knows’ by their radar system that he/she is close to shore, viewing the light from the lighthouse must elicit a sense of comfort.
I have always loved lighthouses. There is something calming about them. I suppose in the literal sense I love them for what they are designed to do; bring ships and boats safely into the harbor. But there is another aspect to it that I cannot describe.
What about you, do you have an affiliation for these guideposts too?
The Chicago Files 