Name and Location

The Southeast Guidewall Light is a small navigational beacon located at the southeastern end of the guide wall (breakwater) at the mouth of the Chicago River on Lake Michigan. The address is V9QW+8X Chicago Loop, Chicago, IL, USA, with coordinates 41°53′18.0″ N, 87°36′09.3″ W (decimal: 41.8883362, –87.6025935).

Construction and History

Records of small guide-wall beacons in Chicago date from the early 20th century as the harbor facilities were modernized. The exact year of construction for the Southeast Guidewall Light is not readily available, but similar structures arose in the 1910s–1920s to guide steamers, tugs, and lake freighters into the inner harbor.

Architecture and Materials

The structure type is an iron or steel skeletal tower (caisson-type foundation) supporting a small lantern room. The construction materials are likely painted steel or cast-iron tower; concrete or cast-iron caisson foundation. The color and markings are likely painted white or red, following the standard U.S. Coast Guard color scheme for breakwater lights.

Light and Navigation

The light range and characteristic are not officially published, but it is speculated to be a fixed red light (F R) or flashing green (Fl G) to distinguish it from companion lights. The beacon is automated, with a power source likely being solar panels with battery backup or shore power.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Southeast Guidewall Light is accessible on foot via the breakwater/walkway extending from North Streeter Drive. However, there are no dedicated visitor facilities or interpretive signage on the guide wall itself. Caution is advised when visiting due to slippery surfaces and waves that may wash over sections of the breakwater during rough weather.

Notable Views and Landscape

The views from the Southeast Guidewall Light include the Chicago skyline and Navy Pier to the north and west, as well as unbroken stretches of Lake Michigan to the south and east. The guide wall forms part of a promenade used by anglers and sightseers, especially at sunset.

Technical and Operational Details

The beacon is managed by the U.S. Coast Guard, Ninth District, and serves as an active navigation aid. While specific details on height, range, or light characteristic are not available, it is likely that similar structures in the area exhibit a fixed or flashing light visible 3–6 nautical miles.

Further Information

For further information, please refer to the U.S. Coast Guard District 9 Light List (published annually), NOAA Chart 14932 (Lake Michigan – Chicago Harbor), and the Chicago Department of Transportation's "Harbor Facilities and Aids to Navigation" (specimen harbor plan).