In an era when few women held government positions—or were even allowed to work independently—Harriet Colfax carved a path of quiet defiance and perseverance. Her story, often overlooked in American history, is anchored not only in the sands of Michigan City, Indiana, but also in the broader movement of women stepping into roles of public service during the 19th century.
Harriet Colfax was born in 1824 in Ogdensburg, New York. Economic necessity led her to a position that would define her legacy: lighthouse keeper of the Michigan City Lighthouse on the southeastern shores of Lake Michigan.
In 1861, at the age of 37, Colfax was appointed keeper of the lighthouse. For the next 43 years, she maintained the light that guided ships safely through the sometimes perilous waters of Lake Michigan—often working in isolation and under severe weather conditions. She remained in service until 1904, retiring at age 80.
Being a lighthouse keeper in the 19th century was grueling. Colfax’s daily routine involved hauling heavy buckets of oil, trimming wicks, cleaning lenses, and recording weather data, often multiple times a day and night. In winter, she fought through snow and ice. In summer, she braved storms and lightning, remaining committed for over four decades.
Colfax was not only appointed to a government job but held it for longer than most of her male counterparts. While her familial connection to Schuyler Colfax, the future Vice President under Ulysses S. Grant, may have helped her secure the position, Harriet proved again and again that she earned the role through her dedication and work ethic.
Harriet Colfax is remembered today not only for her record-breaking service but also as a pioneer for women in public roles. The Michigan City Old Lighthouse Museum preserves her legacy and the lighthouse she once kept, offering visitors a chance to step into the world she inhabited.
Experience Harriet’s intriguing story as if she were right there with you at the Historic New Carlisle Museum on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 pm, as northwest Indiana actor and author Sandra L. Young combines three decades of community theater performance with her love of historical fiction in portraying Harriet Colfax dressed in character. Sandra’s debut three book series, Divine Vintage, is set in LaPorte County. She wears garments from her vast collection of vintage clothing at every book-related presentation – numbering more than 50 events and interviews so far. Enjoy this wonderful step back in time as we learn more about this fascinating woman, Harriet Colfax.
