North Point Lighthouse

This is a recent image of the progress taking place in the renovation of the North Point Lighthouse on Milwaukee's east side. Construction began on the lighthouse in 1854 on a bluff in the area which is now known as Lake Park. Soon after construction was completed it was noticed that the bluff in front of the lighthouse was eroding very quickly. By 1881 the erosion had advanced enough that the lighthouse and the foundation of the tower were threatened. With an appropriation from Congress in 1885 land was purchased just to the west for the building of a new lighthouse. Construction began in July 1887 at the new location and was completed in December 1887. As time passed the lighthouse was soon obscured by trees and a increasing number of city lights decreasing its effectiveness. Also improvements to the breakwater and pierhead lighthouses questioned the need for the North Point Lighthouse. In June 0f 1907 the lighthouse was decommissioned and the light extinguished. After heavy debates continued about the loss of the light with city, government, and maritime officials it was determined to raise the existing tower above the tree line which was completed in 1912. The light was lit until 1994, the lens was removed and the station permanently decommissioned. After many years of disrepair a local preservation group was formed in 2002 with plans to restore the site. As work continues on the restoration efforts today a target date for completion has been set for the Fall of 2007.