click zoom to display a high-res image
Property Location
| Location (Address) | 4725 LIGHTHOUSE DR |
|---|---|
| County | Racine |
| City/Village | Wind Point |
| Township | |
| Unincorporated community | |
| Town | |
| Range | |
| Direction | |
| Section | |
| Quarter Section | |
| Quarter Quarter Section |
Property Features
| Year Built | 1880 |
|---|---|
| Additions | 1900 |
| Survey Date | 1975 |
| Historic Use | lifesaving station facility/lighthouse |
| Architectural Style | Other Vernacular |
| Structural System | |
| Wall Material | Brick |
| Architect | |
| Other Buildings On Site | |
| Demolished | No |
| Demolished Date | |
| Additional Comments |
A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, Division of Historic Preservation. Described as the "oldest and tallest still standing on the Great Lakes", this lighthouse rises 112 feet above Lake Michigan. In the beginning it was equipped with kerosene lanterns, and the keeper had to climb the tower twice a day (284 steps, round trip) carrying two 5-gallon cans of oil. In 1964 the light house was equipped with an automatic 1,000-watt lamp that throws a 2 milllion candlepower beam which can be seen 19 miles away. A cast iron lantern, identical to Milwaukee's North Point house, tops the CCB twer. In 1880, the federal Lighthouse Board erected this light to help guide southbound ships into Racine Harbor. The conical brick tower rises 108 feet from a stone foundation, tapering from a 22-foot-diameter to a little less than 13 feet. The ten-sided cast-iron lantern crowning the light originally flashed a white coastal light and a red light, which warned ships around Racine Reef. Both beacons had Fresnel lenses, intricate arrays of glass prisms surrounding the light source, magnifying the light and then refracting and focusing it into a single beam that could stab through cloud and darkness. Twice daily, the keeper climbed the spiral staircase’s 142 steps, lugging two five-gallon cans of oil to keep the lamps lit. Today the light is automated, the original kerosene lamps replaced by a rotating electric beacon. Several auxiliary buildings complete the site. The lighthouse keeper and his two assistants lived in the Keeper’s House, a rambling clapboard building with hipped dormers. It is connected to the tower by a covered passageway. In times of dense fog, the keeper would dash to the brick Signal Building, built in 1900 right near the lake, to blare a loud warning horn. Covenant/Easement: From 5/16/1990 to 5/16/1995. A 'covenant file' exists for this property. It may contain additional information such as photos, drawings and correspondence. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office. |
| Bibliographic References | ZIMMERMANN, RUSSELL "THE HERITAGE GUIDEBOOK" (HERITAGE BANKS 1976) Racine Jornal Times 12/6/1997. Menomonie Dunn County News 4/19/1998. Racine Journal Times 6/3/1999. Racine Landmarks brochure, 2003. Buildings of Wisconsin manuscript. |
National And State Register Of Historic Places Listings
| National/State Register Listing Name | Windpoint Light Station |
|---|---|
| National Register Listing Date | Jul 19, 1984 |
| State Register Listing Date | Jan 01, 1989 |
| Contributing |
Architecture & History Inventory
The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory (AHI) is a digital source of information on historic buildings, structures, and objects that have been surveyed by the State Historic Preservation Office in Wisconsin. Each property has a digital record providing basic information about the property and images.
Questions?
Wondering about if your property is eligible or notice some information on this property needs to be updated, reach out today!
Email UsAttribution
For a credit line: Wisconsin Historical Society, Creator, Title, Unique Identifier.
The Unique Identifier can be found at the top or bottom of the page for each item. The name of a downloaded file is NOT the unique identifier.
For bibliographic citations please consult the UW-Madison Libraries Citation Research Guide to ensure compliance with appropriate style guidelines.
Access Property Records
Some properties have more materials (correspondence, clippings, historical information, etc.) not in the digital record. If a 'Site File' exists, it's noted in the 'Additional Comments' field. Contact us for an appointment to view these materials.
Wind Point Lighthouse
Lake Michigan
The 112 foot tower of the Wind Point Lighthouse was erected in 1880 five miles north of Racine. The light remains an active aid to navigation and is reputed to be the tallest operating light on the...
REICHERT CT, NORTH PIER AT ENTRANCE TO RACINE HARBOR
11283
Located in Racine, Racine County
North Point Lighthouse
1952
Text on front reads: "Racine, Wis.", "North Point Lighthouse". This is actually the Wind Point Lighthouse on Wind Point, located on the north end of Racine Harbor. The lighthouse is 108 feet tall a...
Wahl St. at Terrace
84003732
Located in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County
Lighthouses Around Racine
1869 - 1929
Newspaper clippings of the lighthouses around the Racine, Wisconsin coastline.
