Root River Light

Oct. 29, 2019
PRINT | E-MAIL

Root River Light, Root River, Racine, Wisconsin

ROOT RIVER LIGHT

Location: Root River, Racine Wisconsin
Station Established: 1839
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1839
Operational? No
Automated? No
Deactivated: No Longer Standing
Foundation Materials: Brick
Construction Materials: Brick
Tower Shape: Square
Markings/Pattern: Whitewashed
Relationship to Other Structure: Integral
Original Lens: Argand lamp with 14 inch reflector.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:

  • In 1839 a light was built at the bank overlooking the mouth of the Root River.
  • In 1858 the light was raised by 6 feet and became a fixed white light. A Fifth order Fresnel was installed.
  • At some point it became powered by gas from the city of Racine.
  • In 1866 the light was discontinued due to the new Racine Harbor light.
  • In 1870 the house and lot were sold.
  • In 1876 the lighthouse was demolished.

Researched and written by Anne Puppa, a volunteer through the Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Lighthouse Society.

 
Land Asset Lighthouse