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Racine Harbor (Root River), WI |
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Description:
The Root River empties its contents into Lake Michigan roughly four miles south of Wind Point. The settlement of Racine took root here in 1834, and the community had its own lighthouse by 1837. Protective piers were extended from the harbor and river out into Lake Michigan in 1864, and the following year a new lighthouse was built on an expanded portion of the northern pier.
In the late 1890s, a pair of breakwaters were extended even farther into Lake Michigan. A steel tower was used to mark the end of the northern breakwater in 1902, and the 1865 Root River Lighthouse was deemed unnecessary. Its lantern room was removed and the structure was modified to house a keeper and an assistant who were responsible for the breakwater light. A lifesaving station was built near the 1865 lighthouse, and both of these structures later became part of a Coast Guard station.
Following the automation of the lights in the area, the compound was sold and is now part of Pugh Marina.
Location: Located on the northern side of the entrance to the Root River in Racine. Latitude: 42.7341 Longitude: -87.77825 For a larger map of Racine Harbor (Root River) Lighthouse, click the lighthouse in the above map or get a map from: Mapquest. Travel Instructions: From Highway 32 on the northern side of the Root River in Racine, turn east on Dodge Street. When Dodge Street ends turn left onto Michigan Boulevard and then make an immediate right onto Reichert Court. Follow the road to its end, and you will see the light on your right. The lighthouse is owned by Pugh Marina. Grounds open, dwelling closed. Find the closest hotels to Racine Harbor (Root River) Lighthouse See our List of Lighthouses in Wisconsin |
