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Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Fl White 4s🇺🇸Town of Washington, USOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pottawatomie Lighthouse

Also known as: Pottawatomie (Rock Island)

The Pottawatomie Lighthouse station was established in 1858. The current 20-meter tall, square, cylindrical steel skeletal tower was built in 1988, replacing an earlier structure. It emits a white flash every 4 seconds from a focal height of 48.4 meters. The lighthouse has a geographic range of 18.4 nautical miles. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed. The nearest port is Cedar River, approximately 21.9 kilometers away.

Why it matters: The lighthouse provides a white flash every 4 seconds, aiding navigation for vessels in its operational area.

Background
Pottawatomie Lighthouse, also known as the Rock Island Light, is a lighthouse in Rock Island State Park, on Rock Island in Door County, Wisconsin. Lit in 1836, it is the oldest light station in Wisconsin and on Lake Michigan. It was served by civilian light keepers from 1836 to 1946, at which point it was automated.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 4s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Fl W 4s
Focal Height
48.4632m
Geographic Range
18.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1988

Significant events: Station established 1858, Current tower built 1988

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
20m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Material
steel

Structure: A 20m square cylindrical steel skeletal tower.

Location

City
Town of Washington
Country
🇺🇸United States
Region
Wisconsin
Latitude
45.4277°
Longitude
-86.8284°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Cedar River(21.9 km)
USCG No.
7-21425
ARLHS No.
USA-1068
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q7235206 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pottawatomie Lighthouse at night?+
Pottawatomie displays the characteristic Fl White 4s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Pottawatomie Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pottawatomie Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is SOUTH BAY at 6.2 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include WASHINGTON ISLAND (7.1 NM SW), FAIRPORT FISHERY (13.5 NM NNE), Cedar River (22 NM W), Escanaba (22.5 NM NNW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pottawatomie Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pottawatomie Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
How can I track vessels near Pottawatomie Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pottawatomie 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.