Protecting the mouth of the Grand River, a Grand River/Fairport Harbor Light has stood since 1825.
Due to the first lightkeeper's strong views on abolition, the light has served as a guide for runaway slaves marking a stop on The Underground Railroad to Canada and freedom.
In 1871, the current tower was built to replace the deteriorating first one.
As a note of fun, the lighthouse is believed to be haunted by a gray cat, which was a former pet to a bedridden wife of a past keeper. GR/FH's web site references this with a small cat icon and story.
Majesty Score: 4
The fact that Fairport Harbor Light sits up on top of a good size hill and the light tower has so wide a gerth lends aid to the majesty score. It carries itself well in person and pictures for a 69 ft. light.
Waterview Score: 2
The water view from the lighthouse is somewhat industrial. There is an industrial quarry to the immediate left across the narrow channel, and a smoke stack off in the distance to the right. The water down the hill from the location is somewhat stagnant and does have waste. You can see the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light off in the distance. (see the below picture over the brick building)
Preservation Score: 4
The light does show signs of wear and weathering, but the keeper's house and attachements have been taken care of. There is routine maintenance.
Surrounding Area Score: 2
The town of Fairport Harbor is a old town in which the lighthouse sits at the end of the main street. On the day we went there, there was a tar-like/chemical smell which I was unsure where it was coming from. Maybe the quarry next door. The lighthouse does feature a small park down the hill to the right. There is also a dock there were you can walk out on it to get a better shot of the Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light.
Accessibility Score: 5
The lighthouse features a small museum which was one of the first lighthouse museums established in the U.S. The pilothouse of the the carrier "Frontenac" has been attached to the keeper's quarters and can be seen on the above picture to the right.The tower is open for climbing. Please check their hours on their web site.
Beacon Score: 1
The 3rd order fresnel lens has been taken out of the tower and is displayed in the museum. Although ideally it would be better suited in the light tower, this setup actually aids in viewing it.
Overall Score and Overview: 22
The Grand River/Old Fairport Harbor Lighthouse is worth a quick trip if you are in the area. It does make for nice photo-ops and the light tower has a lot of character.
Directions: On Highway 2 in Ohio, Exit at North at the Painesville (Richmond Street) exit. This road becomes High Street and will run right into the lighthouse at the end.
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