Presque Isle refers to several geographical and historical locations in the Great Lakes region, primarily connected by their maritime significance. Derived from the French phrase meaning “almost an island,” it typically describes landforms such as peninsulas or islands that extend into bodies of water.
Key Locations:
Presque Isle, Michigan (Lake Huron)
• Geography: Located on the northeastern shore of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along Lake Huron.
• Lighthouses:
• Presque Isle Light Station (Old): Built in 1840, one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes.
• Presque Isle Light Station (New): Built in 1870, still active for navigation.
• Maritime Significance: The area is known for dangerous shoals and reefs, contributing to a long history of shipwrecks. It is part of Michigan’s Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which preserves numerous shipwrecks.