Green Island Lighthouse

The Green Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Green Island in Peshtigo Bay, Wisconsin, United States.

History

The lighthouse was built in 1858 by the Great Lakes Engineering Works of Chicago, Illinois.

Architecture and Construction

• The tower stands at a height of approximately 40 feet (12 meters) above the waterline, with a focal height of about 50 feet (15 meters).
• The structure is constructed from limestone and granite, with a distinctive square base and a cylindrical body.
• The lantern room is topped by a small cupola.

Light Characteristics

The lighthouse emits a fixed white light that can be seen for approximately 10 nautical miles (18 kilometers) in all directions.

• The light pattern is a single flash every two minutes.

Current Status

The Green Island Lighthouse is currently an automated aid to navigation, with the light source being replaced by an electronic beacon in 1982.

However, it remains an active aid to navigation and is still maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Location and Accessibility

The lighthouse is located on Green Island, which can be accessed by boat or kayak.

The nearest town, Peshtigo, is situated approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) away from the island.

Visitors can reach the lighthouse via a short walkway from the mainland.

Heritage Status

The Green Island Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered a significant cultural and historical landmark in Wisconsin.

Notable Historical Events

During the Great Peshtigo Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of Peshtigo and surrounding areas, the lighthouse played a crucial role in guiding rescuers to those in need.

The fire resulted in one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, claiming over 2,400 lives.

References

None available