Pierhead Light
A straight-cut entrance to Milwaukee's inner harbor was dug in 1857. In later years, piers were extended some 1500 feet out into the lake. A wooden light was built at the end of the north pier, a lighthouse was built 600 feet toward shore, and an elevated walkway joined the two, so that a keeper could get from the lighthouse to the outer light in stormy weather.
In 1907 the outer light was replaced by the existing steel tower. Since then, a broad swath of the lake has been filled, and the 1907 pierhead light now stands just 150 feet off shore. |