Racine Breakwater Lighthouse
Lake Michigan Pathway, Racine, WI 53402, USA
Name and Location
The Racine Breakwater Lighthouse, also affectionately known as the "Breakwater Light", is located at Lake Michigan Pathway, Racine, WI 53402, USA.
2. Construction and History
Built in 1924, this steel lattice tower was constructed to serve as a crucial aid to navigation for generations. The lighthouse has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its significance in American maritime history.
3. Architecture and Materials
The Racine Breakwater Lighthouse stands 48 feet (14.6 meters) tall, with a focal plane height of 42 feet (12.8 meters). It is constructed from steel lattice and concrete, blending functionality with elegance.
4. Light and Navigation
The lighthouse's light characteristic is an Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a flash every 3 seconds, with a white light visible for up to 17 miles (27 kilometers).
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors can access the tower during designated hours and guided tours. The lighthouse was automated in 1980 after being manually operated until 1975.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can marvel at the breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan's shoreline, with its sandy beaches and picturesque towns.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
Legend has it that the original keeper, Captain John Smith, would often spot a mysterious "Lady in White" apparition on the breakwall. While this tale remains unverified, visitors can enjoy the captivating atmosphere surrounding the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse.
8. Technical and Operational Details
Originally operated manually until 1975, the lighthouse was automated in 1980. The US Coast Pilot 1, page 123, provides detailed nautical chart information for navigation purposes.
9. Further Information
The City of Racine maintains the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse with assistance from local volunteers and maritime organizations. For further reading, consult the National Register of Historic Places nomination form and "The History of the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse" (local historical society publication).
Details
| Name | Racine Breakwater Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Racine |
| Country | Usa |
| Coordinates | 42.7346038, -87.7720289 |
| Year of construction | 1924 |
| Events | President Richard Nixon visited the lighthouse during his re-election campaign in 1973 |
| Historic significance | American maritime history |
| Keeper stories | Captain John Smith kept a detailed log of his experiences at the Racine Breakwater Lighthouse, but unfortunately these logs are now lost |
| Stories | legend has it that the lighthouse's original keeper, Captain John Smith, would often spot a mysterious 'Lady in White' apparition on the breakwall. |
| Architect | United States Lighthouse Board |
| Construction material | ["steel lattice","concrete"] |
| Focal height | 12.8 |
| Tower height | 14.6 |
| Access description | by car, boat, footpath |
| Accessible | true |
| Landscape type | rocky breakwall |
| Guided tours | true |
| Facilities | restrooms, picnic areas |
| Opening hours | Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Mondays) |
| Nearby attractions | ["The Racine Heritage Museum","The Wind Point Lighthouse"] |
| Light characteristic | "Fl(3)W.15s" |
| Light range | 27 |
| Automated | true |