The Charity Islands are part of Bayport Limestone formation. Their base is solid limestone and they are sometimes referred by geologists as bedrock highs. When the glaciers retreated about 10,000 years ago, the Charity Islands were still there because they are bedrock and the glaciers rode or skipped right over them.
When Michigan obtains statehood in 1837 the islands become state owned property. 19 years later a building crew, sent by the Federal Government, arrives on Big Charity Island to build a 39 foot high lighthouse with a small 1 story dwelling attached to it for the Light keepers quarters. The lighthouse officially goes into service on 08/20/1857.
It's 8 years after the lighthouse goes into service that the island is finally formally acquired by the Federal Government with an executive order signed by President Abraham Lincoln on 03/30/1865. 14 days later he is shot and dies the next morning.
Near the turn of the century a decision is made to provide better accommodations for the people assigned to work on the island, so the original dwelling is removed and a new 4 bedroom 2 story house is built in its place. Before construction begins on the new house, the old foundation is upgraded with the addition of a full basement that contains a brick cistern. It is capable of holding 1,500 gallons of fresh water.
At the time the 2 story house is being built the 39 foot tall light tower under goes modification. It has to be raised 10 feet higher so it's light will not be blocked by the new taller house being built next to it.
In less than 20 years this new home is abandoned, the tower becomes fully automated in 1917. The last Light keeper on Charity Island was Joseph Singleton, who left in December of 1916.
references: charity island excursions, donsrealty.net
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