Baileys Harbor Range Lights facts for kids
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| Skeleton tower (now removed), front range light, rear range light(way in back) | |
| Location | Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin |
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| Coordinates | 45°04′13″N 87°07′11″W / 45.07028°N 87.11972°W |
| Year first lit | 1869 |
| Automated | 1930 |
| Deactivated | 1969-2015 |
| Foundation | Field stone |
| Construction | Wood |
| Tower shape | Square base, upper is octagonal |
| Markings / pattern | KRW  |
| Height | 21 feet (6.4 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel (1897) |
| Current lens | LED |
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| Rear range light | |
| Location | Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°04′22″N 87°07′16″W / 45.07278°N 87.12111°W |
| Year first lit | 1870 |
| Automated | 1930 |
| Deactivated | 1969-2015 |
| Foundation | Field stone |
| Construction | Wood |
| Tower shape | Square, atop a house |
| Markings / pattern | White w/black and red markings |
| Height | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Focal height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Original lens | Fifth order Fresnel |
| Current lens | LED |
| Characteristic | directional mark |
| ARLHS number | USA-027 |
| Location | Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°04′11.305″N 87°07′9.781″W / 45.06980694°N 87.11938361°W |
| Year first lit | 1969 |
| Deactivated | 2015 |
| Foundation | Concrete |
| Construction | Metal skeleton tower with red/white/red dayboard |
| Height | 21 ft (6.4 m) |
| Focal height | 21 feet (6.4 m) |
| Characteristic | White light Flashing every 2.5 seconds, with a higher intensity beam on a bearing of 340° |
| ARLHS number | USA-936 |
| USCG number | 7-21228 |
The Baileys Harbor Range Lights are a special pair of lighthouses in Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin. They work together to guide boats safely into the harbor. Imagine them like a helpful arrow made of light, showing ships the right way to go!
Contents
History of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights
Why Were the Range Lights Built?
These range lights were built in 1870. They cost about $6,000 to construct. Their job was to replace an older lighthouse. They help ships find their way into Baileys Harbor.
How Do Range Lights Work?
The two lights are about 980 feet (300 meters) apart. They are lined up perfectly. This alignment creates a path for boats. When a ship sees both lights in a straight line, it knows it is on the correct course. This helps prevent accidents in the harbor.
A Special Place in History
The Baileys Harbor Range Light is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site. The lights are also part of The Ridges Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a special wildlife area. It is also listed as a National Natural Landmark. You can visit the grounds and even take guided tours.
Changes Over Time
In 1969, the lights in the original buildings were turned off. The United States Coast Guard put a single new light on the beach. This new light guided ships for many years.
In 1990, a group called The Ridges Sanctuary took over the buildings. They worked hard to restore them. They even put new wiring in to power the lamps. A tall metal tower, called a skeleton tower, helped guide ships.
Finally, in 2015, the original range lights were updated. They now use modern LED lamps. These historic lights are back online and helping ships once again!
Gallery
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Bailey's Harbor Lower Range Light plaque.
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Lower Range Light with skeleton tower removed.
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Plaque at the base of the lower range light for The Ridges Sanctuary.
