North Point WI
Harbour Lights #837

In 1851, the United States Lighthouse Service purchased a two-acre sight for $1,000. on which to build the North Point Lighthouse. The original North Point Light and Keeper's dwelling was built of cream city brick. The Fourth Order Fresnel Lens a top the 28' tower was first lit on November 20, 1855. In 1868, the lantern room was rebuilt and the Fourth Order Lens replaced. In the 1870's erosion caused the front yard of the Light to break loose and a decision was made to build a new Light.

On August 6, 1886, the United States Congress appropriated $15,000 to build a new lighthouse and Keeper's dwelling. Construction of the new Light was complete on December 20,1887 and the new 39' octagonal tower of bolted cast iron sections was lit on January 10, 1888. The present Keeper's dwelling was completed that same year.

Famed 19th century landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted was designing Lake Park. North Point, surrounded by two acres of land, divided Lake Park into two sections. In order for Lake Park to be completed, it became necessary for the Milwaukee Park Commission to petition the Federal Government to complete the Olmsted plan without interrupting the Lighthouse function. With the permission granted, a carriage road and two bridges were built east of the Lighthouse.

In June 1907, The United States Congress ordered that Mariners extinguish the Light at North Point due to a lack of visibility. In August, the Merchants and Manufacturers Association of Milwaukee met with Major William V. Judson, of the United States Engineering Corps, to discuss the possibility of operating and maintaining the Light privately.

On March 4, 1909 a $10,000 "civil appropriation" allowed the Lighthouse Board to restore operations of the North Point Light. In July 1912, construction began on a 35'steel structure, next to the old Lighthouse. When completed, the old tower was reassembled on top of the new structure making the tower 74' in height. On January 15, 1812 the tower was relit - work completed in April 1912.

The United States Coast Guard took the North Point Light, entered into the National Register of Historic Places, out of service in 1994. The Fresnel Lens has been removed and is in storage.

The North Point Lighthouse Friends, Inc maintains the North Point Light.

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