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Summary
North Point Lighthouse
2650 N. Wahl Avenue, Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Dates of Construction: 1854, 1888, 1912-13
In 1855, a lighthouse was built on North Point to mark the northern end of Milwaukee Harbor. This site was chosen because of its location on the bluff above Lake Michigan, increasing the distance at which the light was visible. However, the brick structure was built too close to the edge of the bluff, and soon erosion threatened the lighthouse.
In 1888, a new lighthouse was built about 100 feet further inland and the original lighthouse was demolished. The new lighthouse tower was a cast iron, 39 foot tall octagonal structure. By the early 20th century, trees from nearby Lake Park had grown too tall and obscured the light from vessels on Lake Michigan. To remedy the situation, a new steel superstructure was added, with the old lighthouse placed on top of the steel addition. Completed in April 1913 at a cost of $9,455, the new structure raised the lighthouse to a height of 74 feet.
Located adjacent to the light is the former light keeper's quarters. The Queen Anne style, two and one half story house was completed in 1887. A covered walkway connected the house to the lighthouse, allowing the light keeper direct access without venturing outside.
The North Point Lighthouse remained in operation until 1994. After sitting empty for a decade, the lighthouse and keeper’s quarters were restored and are now a museum and exhibition space open to the public.
Property Details
| Criteria | Event,Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Commerce,Engineering,Transportation |
| Period of Significance | 1900-1924,1875-1899 |
| Architectural Style | No Style Listed |
| Architect | |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Water-Related,Coast Guard Facility |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 2 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jul 19, 1984 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 1989 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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