Name and Location

The Kenosha North Pierhead Light is a historic lighthouse located in Kenosha, Wisconsin, USA.

Construction and History

Built in 1906, the Kenosha North Pierhead Light has been guiding mariners for over a century. Originally operated manually by lighthouse keepers, it became automated in 1963. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places (#08000545) in 2008, recognizing its significance as a landmark in American maritime history.

Architecture and Materials

The Kenosha North Pierhead Light is designed in the Romanesque Revival style, with a distinctive rectangular tower measuring 50 feet (15 meters) tall. The lighthouse is constructed from brick and steel, featuring a red lantern room at its top.

Light and Navigation

The light emitted by the lighthouse has an Isophase white color with a range of 8 miles (13 kilometers). The original fog signal was replaced in the 1950s with an automatic foghorn. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) maintains the lighthouse, ensuring continued operation through regular inspections and upkeep.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Kenosha North Pierhead Light is located on public property and is open for visitors during daylight hours. Visitors can view the lighthouse from outside but there are no guided tours or entrance fees.

Notable Views and Landscape

Visitors can enjoy scenic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding city skyline while taking pictures or simply admiring the structure's architectural beauty.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local folklore, the Kenosha North Pierhead Light played a crucial role in several notable shipwrecks, with some reports suggesting it was instrumental in saving lives during these incidents.

Technical and Operational Details

Originally operated manually by lighthouse keepers, the light became automated in 1963. The United States Coast Guard (USCG) maintains the lighthouse, ensuring continued operation through regular inspections and upkeep.

Further Information

For more information on the Kenosha North Pierhead Light, visit the United States Coast Guard website or consult publications like "Lighthouse Friends" (www.lighthousefriends.com) or Wikipedia's article on the lighthouse (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenosha_North_Pier_Light).