Superior Entry and South Breakwater Lights (Wisconsin Point Lights)

Oct. 29, 2019
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Superior Entry and South Breakwater Lights (see also Superior Entry Breakwater Light), Wisconsin Point, Lake Superior, Superior, Wisconsin

 

WISCONSIN POINT (SUPERIOR ENTRY AND SOUTH BREAKWATER) LIGHTS

WISCONSIN POINT, LAKE SUPERIOR
Station Established: 1913
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1913
Operational? YES
Automated? YES 1970
Deactivated: N/A
Foundation Materials: CONCRETE PIER
Construction Materials: CONCRETE
Tower Shape: CYLINDRICAL ATOP SQUARE KEEPERS HOUSE
Markings/Pattern: WHITE W/RED LANTERN, RED ROOF
Relationship to Other Structure: ATTACHED
Original Lens: FOURTH ORDER, FRESNEL LENS

Range: 22 miles

Characteristic: green flashing light every 5 sec.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:

  • When the Superior Entry to Duluth Harbor was improved protective piers were built on either side of the entrance. A skeletal lighthouse tower was built on the North pier in 1885. When the piers were improved in 1892 the light was moved to the southern pier and lit in 1893.
  • Five years later, in 1898 it was decide to put range lights on the pier. A second light was added to act as the rear range light. In 1905 work was begun to make better more permanent structures. However a storm washed away the Front Range light. Temporary repairs were made.
  • When the breakwater was built for the outside of the Superior Entry it was decided to place a light house and fog signal building. When this new light was lit in 1913 the old pier range lights were discontinued.
  • In 1938 a radio beacon was added to the station.
  • In 1970 the light was automated.