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Baileys Harbor Lighthouse

🇺🇸Eastern Wisconsin, USInactive

Location & Light Range

About Baileys Harbor Lighthouse

Construction of the Baileys Harbor Lighthouse began in 1852, and it first lit up in the same year. David Ward served as the initial lighthouse keeper, beginning his tenure in 1853. This structure was the third lighthouse to be built in Door County. An inspection in 1866 revealed the lighthouse to be in poor condition. It ceased operations in the autumn of 1869, subsequently being replaced by the Baileys Harbor Range Lights and the Cana Island Lighthouse which became operational in 1870. The lighthouse still stands today, though it is privately owned and in a state of disrepair.

Why it matters: The Baileys Harbor Lighthouse is one of four lighthouses in the United States that still retains its original bird-cage lantern.

Background
The Baileys Harbor lighthouse is a lighthouse located near Baileys Harbor in Door County, Wisconsin. Construction of Baileys Harbor Lighthouse began in 1852 and in 1853 David Ward became the first lighthouse keeper. It was the third lighthouse constructed in Door County after the lighthouses on Rock Island and Plum Island. An 1866 inspection declared the lighthouse was in "very defective condition" and in late fall of 1869 it closed. This coincided with the opening of the Baileys Harbor Range Lights and the Cana Island Lighthouse in 1870 which replaced it. Today the island is privately owned and the lighthouse is in decay but still standing. It is one of four lighthouses in the country to have retained its bird-cage lantern.

Light & Optic

Flash Count
1 flash
Focal Height
16m

Location

City
Eastern Wisconsin
Country
🇺🇸US
Latitude
45.0558°
Longitude
-87.0971°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Construction & History

Year Built
1852

References & Identifiers

Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4848417 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which ports and harbors does Baileys Harbor Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Baileys Harbor Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is EGG HARBOR at 7.9 NM to the W. Other ports served include STURGEON BAY (18.1 NM SW), WASHINGTON ISLAND (18.2 NM NNE), SOUTH BAY (18.9 NM NNE), MENOMINEE (21.8 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Baileys Harbor Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Baileys Harbor Lighthouse is currently listed as inactive. It may have been decommissioned, replaced by a different navigation aid, or temporarily taken out of service. Mariners should check the latest Notices to Mariners for current status.
How can I track vessels near Baileys Harbor Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Baileys Harbor Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.