There’s a certain romance to a lighthouse that attracts people. This is a unique light station, it’s more than a lighthouse. In most cases, there is a separate lighthouse and a lighthouse keeper’s quarters. Here, the light tower was built on the top of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters, making it just that much more convenient. Of course, being a lighthouse keeper was far from convenient. It was usually a lonely job, perfect for a solitary soul who liked isolation. It was a necessary job, warning ships away from dangerous shorelines, shoals, reefs and rocks, or welcoming ships into a safe harbor. Before the days of radar and later, GPS, the lighthouse was the only way to let mariners know they were nearing land. Many had foghorns to perform the same function when the light could not be seen. Lake Michigan was lined with lighthouses. Many remain, but most have long ago been decommissioned and extinguished. In fact, this lighthouse was decommissioned in 1903, after a pierhead light had been installed. The light tower was removed in 1934. No one knows whatever happened to that light and the 4th order Fresnel lens that guided ships into, or past, Port Washington. In 2000, the Port Washington Historical Society was presented with the light station. An ambitious project began to restore the light station to its former glory. When the Duchy of Luxembourg heard that the people of Port Washington were beginning the restoration, the Duchy offered to help. The people of Luxembourg were appreciative of the many descendents of Luxembourg emigrants who still lived in Ozaukee County, and grateful for the American army liberating Luxembourg in World War II. The Duchy built a duplicate of the old light tower and shipped it to Port Washington. The tower went up in 2002 as the restoration was nearing completion. The committee raised funds to have a reproduction of the 4th Order Beehive Fresnel Lens made, identical to the one that had originally been in the tower. It was installed in 2007. You will see all this when you take the tour! Volunteer guides will tell you the entire story of the Port Washington Light Station and invite you to climb the ladders to the light room. It’s a spectacular view of Port Washington and Lake Michigan. Children under six are not allowed to climb to the light tower, and it is not for the faint of heart. The ladders are steep, and appropriate clothing and footwear is required. No flip-flops or mules are allowed and skirts are not recommended. No kilts, guys. The light station is open on weekends, May through October. Group tours can be arranged.
