Women broke into federal jobs as lighthouse keepers and Michigan had the most 

Lighthouse keeper jobs were among the first federal positions – outside clerical work – to open to women, and Michigan had more than any other state, officials said.

Today is National Lighthouse Day in commemoration of George Washington signing the Act for the Establishment and support of Lighthouses, Beacons, Buoys, and Public Piers on Aug. 7, 1789.

Between 1849 and 1954, Michigan had more than 50 female lightkeepers and assistant keepers, according to National Park Service officials. That’s more than any other state.

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In 1872, Julia Sheridan was the first assistant keeper at South Manitou Lighthouse in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, park officials said on Facebook. She was needed to help with the extra worth required by the 104-foot-tall tower and third-order Fresnel Lens.

There has been a lighthouse at this site since 1838 but the current light was built in 1871. The taller tower and raised the light, and the new lens projected light nearly 18 miles. It operated until 1958.

Today, visitors can climb the 117 steps to see a replica Fresnel lens and a view of the Manitou Passage and South Manitou Island. There is no fee to climb.