In 1822 French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel developed the annular, or ring-shaped, lens that the Split Rock Lighthouse on the North Shore in Minnesota uses. The lighthouse was in operation (or in service) for 59 years, from 1910 to 1969.

When oil vapor lamps, still a relatively new innovation in 1910 were installed at Split Rock, the light became one of the most powerful beacons shining on the Great Lakes, officially visible for 22 miles, and was claimed to have been seen by fishermen as far away as Grand Marais, more than 60 miles away.

When the lightstation and fog signal were electrified in 1940, the kerosene vapor lamp was retired and replaced by a Fresnel lens.