A treacherous, wind blown sea can sometimes lead to near disaster for a maritime crew. And the Great Lakes has been notorious for its extreme winter weather. During a violent 1854 storm on Lake Michigan, Captain George Tifft and fellow seaman were driven toward the beach near Lake Betsie. Tifft, with his years of experience at the helm and a bit of luck, was able to ride the crest of a wave over the shallow inlet into Lake Betsie. The captain and crew survived the scare and discovered a wonderful harbor. Speculating on the future of the newly discovered harbor, entrepreneurs began buying up property and raising funds to dredge the channel.
   By the late 1800s the Army Corps of Engineers improved the channel into the harbor and a pierhead light was erected as a guide for lake traffic. Later, after more breakwater improvements, the light was moved and raised approximately twenty-five feet in height, placed on top of a two-story addition. The new tower was sheathed with steel plates to weather frequent Lake Michigan storms. Today, the harbor has lost its commercial importance, but the Frankfort Lighthouse remains, reminding visitors of its storied past.

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