Recognized Federal Heritage Building

Lighthouse

Amherstburg, Ontario

Also known as Phare de l'île Bois Blanc, Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse

Exterior photo of the site

Exterior photo of the site

Photo: Parks Canada Agency / Agence Parcs Canada

Built
1836
Recognized
1994
By
Government of Canada

The register’s text, word for word

Description

The Lighthouse at Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse and Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada is located on a large, grassed area of Bois Blanc Island. It is a tapered, stone tower whose shaft features a door and three windows that follow the internal stone staircase. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage value

The Lighthouse is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental value.

Historical Value

The Lighthouse at Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse and Blockhouse National Historic Site of Canada is a structure that is closely associated with the theme of the development of navigational aids for maritime traffic on the Great Lakes during the 1830s. It was the third lighthouse constructed to improve the safety of Lake Erie navigation, following increases in shipping activity. In 1838, the lighthouse was attacked and captured by American and Canadian patriots during the Rebellion of 1837-38. It is also closely related to the history of the local Hackett family, who were lighthouse keepers for three generations until the automation of the light in the 1950s. The lighthouse was transferred to Parks Canada in 1961.

Architectural Value

The lighthouse is a good example of an Imperial tower, a common lighthouse type in the 1830-1860 period. It is characterized by its tapered tower consisting of a rubble-stone core with sturdy proportions and a corbelled stone cornice. Its good functional design is evidenced in its thick masonry walls and the internal utilitarian layout. The rough rubble walls with irregular coursing and minimal detailing are evidence of its good quality craftsmanship.

Environmental Value

The Lighthouse is compatible with the present character of its fort setting and is a familiar landmark to area residents.

Sources:

Fort Malden National Historic Site, Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, Federal Heritage Building Review Office, Building Report 91-181; Lighttower, Bois Blanc Island, Ontario, Heritage Character Statement, 91-181.

Character‑defining elements

The character-defining elements of the Lighthouse should be respected.

Its Imperial tower design, good functional design and good craftsmanship, for example:

  • its simple massing and form which follows the classical tripartite column division of

base, body and capital and consists of a linked base and tapered shaft with a capital expressed as stepped masonry corbelling;

  • the rough rubble limestone walls with irregular coursing and minimal detailing

including an arched opening for the door and a corbelled cornice;

  • the multi-paned windows that follow the internal stairs;
  • the internal layout with a central stone stairway within the shaft.

The manner in which the Lighthouse is compatible with the character of the fort setting, and is a familiar structure in the area, as evidenced by:

  • its scale and materials which harmonize with its picturesque parkland setting;
  • its historical association with Fort Malden which makes it familiar to local residents.

End of the register’s text

Location

Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada

42.08698° N, 83.11966° W

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Nearby

All 13 places in Amherstburg

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From the Canadian Register of Historic Places, as last updated on December 12, 2025. The register’s text is shown word for word.