Boyer Bluff Lighthouse

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Boyers Bluff Road in Town of Washington, United States.

History

• The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse was constructed in 1858 to serve as a navigational aid for mariners traversing the waters of Lake Michigan. The lighthouse stood at an impressive height of 65 feet (20 meters) above the lake's surface, with a focal height of 120 feet (37 meters). Its primary function was to guide ships safely into the harbor and prevent accidents.

Architecture

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse features a distinctive octagonal tower made from local limestone. The structure is topped by a lantern room containing a fourth-order Fresnel lens, which produced a characteristic red light pattern visible up to 20 miles (32 kilometers) away.

• The lighthouse's architecture was designed by renowned American architect Alexander Jackson Davis.

Location and Accessibility

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse is situated on Boyers Bluff Road in the Town of Washington, approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Visitors can access the lighthouse via a short walk from the nearby parking area.

Current Status

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although its operation has been largely automated since the mid-20th century. Today, it is no longer in use as a working lighthouse but serves as a historic landmark and museum, open to the public for guided tours.

Heritage Status

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, recognizing its significance as an important navigational aid and example of mid-19th-century American architecture.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the Boyer Bluff Lighthouse played a crucial role in supporting the war effort by serving as a communication relay station for the U.S. Coast Guard. The lighthouse's location on the shores of Lake Michigan made it an ideal spot for monitoring enemy aircraft and providing early warning systems for naval vessels.

Coordinates

The Boyer Bluff Lighthouse is located at 45.4205166° N, 86.9366001° W.