Rawley Point Light facts for kids
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 Rawley Point Light
Location in Wisconsin
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| Location | Near Two Rivers, Wisconsin |
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| Coordinates | 44°12′38.821″N 87°30′31.615″W / 44.21078361°N 87.50878194°W |
| Year first lit |
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| Automated | 1979 |
| Construction |
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| Height | 111 feet (34 m) |
| Focal height | 113 feet (34 m) |
| Original lens | various; see text |
| Range | 21 nautical miles (39 km; 24 mi) |
| Characteristic | White, Flashing |
| ARLHS number | USA-689 |
| USCG number | 7-20935 |
The Rawley Point Light (also known as the Twin River Point Light) is a tall lighthouse located in Point Beach State Forest. You can find it near Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Standing at 111 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse along the Wisconsin shore. This important landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
History of Rawley Point Light
Rawley Point gets its name from Peter Rowley. He set up a trading post in this area way back in 1835.
Early Lights and First Tower
Some stories say a simple light was set up here as early as 1853. It was a 75-foot tall lantern held up by four poles. Later, a wooden house and tower were built to replace it.
But this first structure wasn't in the best spot. So, in 1873, a stronger brick house with a 100-foot tall tower was built. It had a special Fresnel lens inside. This new light started working on December 7, 1874. In 1890, a loud steam fog whistle was added to help ships in foggy weather. A round oil house was also built in 1893.
Building a Stronger Tower
The brick tower wasn't very strong. It was fixed in 1892, but it still wasn't good enough. So, in 1894, a plan was made to replace it. They decided to use a metal tower from the old Chicago Harbor Light. This tower had been taken down when a new one was built in Chicago.
The Chicago tower needed to be made taller for Rawley Point. Workers added two extra sections to its base. A new room was also put in below the light. The new tower used the same lens from the old light. It was first lit on November 20, 1894. The old brick tower stayed standing until the next year. Then, it was taken down to the roof level of the keeper's house. At the same time, the keeper's house was made bigger.
Modern Changes and Automation
The fog signal was made better in 1919. The next year, in 1920, the light was changed to use electricity. The special Fresnel lens was damaged in 1952. It was replaced with two modern lights called DCB-36 Aerobeacons.
About ten years later, a fire damaged part of the keeper's house and the remains of the old tower. But they were repaired. In 1979, the lighthouse became automated. This means it could run by itself without a keeper. Even after automation, Coast Guard workers continued to live there. The light was changed again in 1987. Today, the light still works, and the dwelling is still used.
National Recognition
The Rawley Point Light Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it is recognized as an important historical site. Until 1956, this light was called the Twin River Point Light. But in that year, it was given its current name, Rawley Point Light.
Images for kids
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Eastern view of the lighthouse and keeper's house
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View from the north of Rawley Point Lighthouse
