Kenosha Southport Lighthouse

ARLHS USA-912 Light

Kenosha Southport Lighthouse - Copyright 2012 Joe Wozniak, KDØEFW
Copyright 2012 Joe Wozniak, KDØEFW

Built by the federal gevernment in 1866, the Kenosha Lighthouse replaces two other lighthouses constructed at the site in 1848 and 1858. Originally designated a coast and harbor light for Southport, now Kenosha. If provided the first navigational illumination a mariner would see upon entering Wisconsin forom the Chicago area. Standing 55 feet tall and situated on a hill, the lighthouse projected light from 74 feet above lake level. The tower is built of yellow Milwaukee Cream City brick and is conical in shape. Originally, the lighthouse contained a fourth order Fresnel lens fueled by kerosene with a fixed-white light which was varied by flashes. Officially discontinued in 1906, the lantern room was later removed and feplaced by a 25-foot tripod mast for displaying storm warning flags and lights. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1990, the lighthouse have been restored and holods an automated electric light.

Added to the World List of Lights December 26, 2012.