Two Rivers Light facts for kids
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| the Two Rivers Light in service (USCG) | |
| Location | originally at end of north breakwater in Two Rivers, WI; relocated to museum |
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| Coordinates | 44°8′34.03″N 87°33′37.66″W / 44.1427861°N 87.5604611°W (original); 44°09′12″N 87°33′45″W / 44.1532°N 87.5624°W (current) |
| Year first constructed | 1886 |
| Deactivated | 1969 |
| Foundation | Wood |
| Construction | Wood |
| Tower shape | Skeletal tower |
| Markings / pattern | Red with white lantern |
| Height | 36 feet (11 m) |
| Original lens | Sixth order Fresnel lens |
| Characteristic | fixed red |
The Two Rivers Light is a historic lighthouse that used to guide ships into the harbor at Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Today, you can visit this important building at a museum in the city. It is also known as the Two Rivers North Pierhead Light.
Contents
History of the Two Rivers Lighthouse
Before the current lighthouse, there was a different brick lighthouse on shore. It was built in 1852 but only lasted until 1858.
In 1870, work began to make the harbor better. This included building two long walls called breakwaters. These walls helped create a clear path for boats. In 1886, a new lighthouse was built at the end of the northern breakwater.
Building the New Lighthouse
The 1886 lighthouse was a simple wooden tower. It had an open timber frame with a watch room on top. Above that was the lantern room. Inside, a special Fresnel lens was used to create the light. This lens made a steady red light that ships could see.
This lighthouse did not have a home for its keeper. The keeper from the nearby Rawley Point Light looked after it. He had to walk a long path along the pier to reach the light.
Changes and Upgrades
Soon after it was built, a ship accidentally hit the pier. This damaged the lighthouse in its first month of use.
Between 1907 and 1909, a house and an oil storage building were added. These were built where the older shore light used to be. At the same time, a fog bell was added to the lighthouse. This bell helped guide ships when it was foggy. Its power came from a generator in a shed at the other end of the pier.
Later, between 1926 and 1931, a more powerful fog signal called a diaphone was added. In 1928, the lighthouse was damaged by a storm. During repairs, it was updated to run on electricity. The Two Rivers Light continued to operate until 1969. At that time, a new steel tower replaced it.
A New Home for the Lighthouse
Even though a new tower replaced it, the old lighthouse building was saved. In 1975, the house part was given to the Rogers Street Fishing Village. This is a museum that includes an old Coast Guard station.
Today, the old lighthouse stands on a platform. This platform looks similar to its original foundation. A raised walkway now surrounds it. Sadly, the original lens broke during the move to the museum. However, in 2006, money was given to fix and restore the lens. It was put back on display in 2009.
