Milwaukee Pierhead Light facts for kids
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| Milwaukee Pierhead Light | |
 Milwaukee Pierhead Light
Location in Wisconsin
Milwaukee Pierhead Light
Location in the United States
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| Location | Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
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| Coordinates | 43°01′33.378″N 87°53′42.938″W / 43.02593833°N 87.89526056°W |
| Year first constructed | 1872 |
| Year first lit | 1872 |
| Automated | circa 1939 |
| Foundation | concrete pier |
| Construction | Steel |
| Tower shape | Frustum of a cone, decagonal lantern room |
| Markings / pattern | Red with black lantern and parapet |
| Height | 41 feet (12 m) |
| Focal height | 43 feet (13 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth-order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | unknown "modern beacon" |
| Range | 7 nautical miles (13 km; 8.1 mi) |
| Characteristic | Red flashing light every 4 seconds |
| ARLHS number | USA-498 |
| USCG number | 7-20670 |
The Milwaukee Pierhead Light is an active lighthouse in the Milwaukee harbor, located just south of downtown. It helps boats and ships find their way safely into the harbor. This lighthouse is like a "sister" to the Kenosha North Pier Light, meaning they were built with similar designs.
Contents
History of the Lighthouse
This lighthouse was first built in 1872. It stands near where the Milwaukee River flows into the Milwaukee Harbor and Lake Michigan. It is also west of the Milwaukee Breakwater Light.
The Milwaukee Pierhead Light has a round steel tower. It features a round balcony and a ten-sided room at the top where the light shines from.
Changes to the Light's Lens
In 1926, the original lens was moved from this lighthouse. This lens was a special Fourth-order Fresnel lens. It was sent to the Milwaukee Breakwater Light. Today, you can see that original lens at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
A different lens, a Fifth-order Fresnel lens, was put into the Milwaukee Pierhead Light in 1926. This lens was used until 2005, when it was also removed. It is also said to be on display at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
Lighthouse Keepers and Automation
From 1872 until 1926, people called lighthouse keepers lived and worked at this light. Their job was to make sure the light was always working. After 1926, keepers from the nearby North Point Light Station took care of all the lights in the harbor.
Around 1939, the Milwaukee Pierhead Light became "automated." This means machines took over the job of the keepers. The light could then work by itself without someone always being there.
Special Features and Recognition
A special cable runs underwater from this lighthouse to the Milwaukee Breakwater Light. This cable helps display a warning light for boats. The lighthouse was painted again around 2007, making it look fresh and new.
In November 2012, the Milwaukee Pierhead Light was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is recognized as an important historical building.
Visiting the Lighthouse
The Milwaukee Pierhead Light is located in downtown Milwaukee. You can find it at the end of East Erie Street, which leads to a short pier. There is parking available nearby.
You can walk along the pier to get a closer look at the lighthouse. However, the tower itself is closed to visitors.
How to Get There
To reach the lighthouse, take 
I-43 to east 
I-794. Take exit 1F for Lincoln Memorial Drive. Go north to Michigan Street, then turn right. Turn right again onto Harbor Drive and go under the highway to Polk Street. Turn right on Polk, which ends at Erie Street. Turn left on Erie into the parking lot.
Images for kids
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An archive photo of the Milwaukee Pierhead Light from the USCG.
