Chequamegon Point Lighthouse

The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse is situated on Long Island, one of the Apostle Islands, in Lake Superior, Ashland County, Wisconsin, near the city of Bayfield. Access to the lighthouse is by walking from the dock at the La Pointe station along the beach.

History

The original Chequamegon Point Light was established in 1868 on Long Island's western end, marking the entrance to Chequamegon Bay and with it the towns of Washburn and Ashland. The light was maintained by the keeper of the La Pointe Light (about a mile away) and its original lens came from there. A boardwalk connected them, allowing light keepers to ride bicycles between the lights.

In 1896, the lighthouse was replaced by a square, white steel room sitting on steel legs. The room is topped by an octagonal lantern with a red roof. This design concept echoes that of Lake Huron's Alpena Light. Over the years, there have been changes to the lighthouse's location due to erosion.

In 1986, the Coast Guard moved the light back from the shore, where it was threatened by erosion. The original structure was then replaced with a modern D9 cylindrical tower, which is currently in use.

Architecture

The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse features a square, white steel room sitting on steel legs, topped by an octagonal lantern with a red roof. This design concept is similar to that of Lake Huron's Alpena Light. The lighthouse was constructed using modern materials and has undergone several renovations over the years.

Light Characteristics

The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse emits a green light with a range of 7 nautical miles. The light is characterized by a Fl (first) pattern, indicating that it flashes once every four seconds.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently owned and operated by the National Park Service as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. While the original structure was replaced with a modern D9 cylindrical tower in 1986, the light remains an important aid to navigation for mariners on Lake Superior.

Heritage Status

The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse is listed on various heritage registers, including those maintained by local and national authorities. Its historical significance as a navigational aid and its architectural design make it a notable landmark in the region.

Notable Historical Events

While specific details are not available, the Chequamegon Point Lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners on Lake Superior. Its location on Long Island has also made it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike.

Location and Accessibility

• The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse is situated on Long Island, one of the Apostle Islands, in Lake Superior, Ashland County, Wisconsin, near the city of Bayfield. Access to the lighthouse is by walking from the dock at the La Pointe station along the beach.

History

1. The original Chequamegon Point Light was established in 1868 on Long Island's western end, marking the entrance to Chequamegon Bay and with it the towns of Washburn and Ashland. The light was maintained by the keeper of the La Pointe Light (about a mile away) and its original lens came from there. A boardwalk connected them, allowing light keepers to ride bicycles between the lights.
2. In 1896, the lighthouse was replaced by a square, white steel room sitting on steel legs. The room is topped by an octagonal lantern with a red roof. This design concept echoes that of Lake Huron's Alpena Light. Over the years, there have been changes to the lighthouse's location due to erosion.
3. In 1986, the Coast Guard moved the light back from the shore, where it was threatened by erosion. The original structure was then replaced with a modern D9 cylindrical tower, which is currently in use.

Architecture

1. The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse features a square, white steel room sitting on steel legs, topped by an octagonal lantern with a red roof. This design concept is similar to that of Lake Huron's Alpena Light. The lighthouse was constructed using modern materials and has undergone several renovations over the years.

Light Characteristics

1. The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse emits a green light with a range of 7 nautical miles. The light is characterized by a Fl (first) pattern, indicating that it flashes once every four seconds.

Current Status

1. The lighthouse is currently owned and operated by the National Park Service as part of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. While the original structure was replaced with a modern D9 cylindrical tower in 1986, the light remains an important aid to navigation for mariners on Lake Superior.

Heritage Status

1. The Chequamegon Point Lighthouse is listed on various heritage registers, including those maintained by local and national authorities. Its historical significance as a navigational aid and its architectural design make it a notable landmark in the region.

Notable Historical Events

1. While specific details are not available, the Chequamegon Point Lighthouse has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners on Lake Superior. Its location on Long Island has also made it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike.