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Karl R. Josker | all galleries >> Lighthouses >> Lake Erie Lighthouses > Mohawk Island
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5-15-91 Karl R. Josker

Mohawk Island

I have visited and photographed hundred's of lighthouses, and this is my favorite. There is just something about this small island and the lighthouse in ruins. It is located on the Canadian side of Lake Erie, west of Port Colborne and the Welland Canal.

This light was established in 1848,and was an active light until 1969, when it was replaced by a buoy, and abandoned.


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Guest 02-Mar-2016 14:19
I was there many years ago with my cousins. We rented a cottage on Long Beach.
(Still do.) Terry G.
Linda Dorsey 19-Jan-2013 04:54
Does anyone have a photograph of Capt. John Burgess? I have a photograph of a Grandson and his family. The Grandson's youngest daughter, Mary Burgess Magee, is my Grandmother.
Diane Sheppard 24-Jan-2009 19:36
Visits to this lighthouse were a day picnic for the Metzen families in the 1960s (cottagers in Lowbanks and Long Beach). At that time,trees and grasses were still on the island. Looking inside the tower, one could see the iron mounts for the spiral staircase to the light. My uncle Bob, with a great imagination, used to terrorize us with tales of the "Great Mohawker" a giant who lived on the island!
Glenn Meteer 12-Oct-2008 22:58
As a child in the 1950's, we occasionally visited this island for picnics. My Uncle Clair Meteer had a camp on the Ontario shore near Shirkston and kept a motor launch in Welland, Ont. It was a short ride out to the island, which I recall as Gull Island. It has a stony beach and of course a lot of gulls flying around, and except for the old lighthouse, not much else. I do not recall any lighthouse keeper on the island-it seemed abandoned even back then.
Lisa M. Hanks 05-Jun-2008 05:19
Does anyone know if there are any plans to preserve/restore the lighthouse?
Lisa M. Hanks (3rd great gdaughter of Capt. John Burgess)
Barbara 29-Aug-2007 18:20
I would like to get out on the island to photograph the light. Can you tell me how you got out there. I am not familiar with Canada or what charter services are available there. Please respond to nitestar22@hotmail.com. That's a great photo.
Guest 04-Jul-2006 20:50
To John Burgess
My email is rntobe09@yahoo.com.
Would love to hear from you!
Lisa Hanks
John M. Burgess 14-Jun-2006 02:04
This is my favorite lighthouse, and I have visited it in 1990. I am also a descendant (great-great grandson) of the first keeper, John Burgess, and was not aware of other living relatives. Would love to be able to contact Lisa Hanks if that is possible.

John Burgess
Lisa Hanks 11-Feb-2004 18:08
Great pic!! I am the 3rd great grand-daughter of the first lighthouse keeper, John Burgess. This is the best picture I have seen of it!!! I would LOVE to see more!
Lisa Hanks