Baileys Harbor Range Front

Type:
Year Established:
1870
Existing:
Yes
Baileys Harbor Range Front WI TAT 2017.jpg
Download:
File Type:
jpg (image/jpeg)
Photo Date:
2017
Photo Credit:
Thomas Tag
Photo Courtesy of:
US Lighthouse Society Archives
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
Lake Michigan
City / Town:
Baileys Harbor
U.S. State:
Wisconsin
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Owner / Manager:
The Ridges Sanctuary
Open to Public:
Yes

STRUCTURE

Fog Signal Building?:
No
Keeper's Quarters?:
No

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
No
Private Aid:
No
Year Automated:
1930
USCG Access to Optics:
No
Comments:

HISTORICAL INFORMATION:

  • 1868: Congress appropriated funds to build range lights to help ships enter Baileys Harbor.
  • 1870: The lights were first lit.
  • 1923: The fuel was switched to acetylene gas. Previously kerosene had been used and prior to that lard or whale oil.
  • 1930: The light was electrified and automated.
  • 1934: The land and buildings were transferred to the Door County Parks Commission.
  • 1969: One of the lights was discontinued and a single light was used. The Fresnel lens was removed.
  • 1980’s: The Door County Historical Society raised money to restore the range lights and restore a boardwalk that ran between the two lights.
  • 1995: Mariners complained about the inadequacy of the single light and the range lights were re-lit in 1995.
  • 1998: The ownership of the range lights was transferred to the Door County Parks Commission.
Entered by:
tomtag
Entered Date:
Feb 06, 2018