Pottawatomie Light, Historic lighthouse in Rock Island State Park, Wisconsin.
Pottawatomie Light is a square limestone tower with the keeper's living quarters built into the structure on the northern shore of Rock Island. The building stands approximately 12 meters tall and is situated within a state park that protects the surrounding landscape.
The current structure was built in 1858 after the original 1836 tower was demolished due to construction defects in the mortar. This replacement marked an important moment in Wisconsin's maritime infrastructure as the state's first lighthouse received a more durable design.
The lighthouse operates as a museum run by local volunteers who display period furnishings and objects from the early 1900s. Visitors can see how lighthouse keepers lived and understand the importance of maritime navigation along the shore.
The only way to reach this location is by taking two ferries in succession: first to Washington Island and then a foot passenger ferry to Rock Island. Plan your visit around ferry schedules, as connections are limited and weather can affect crossings throughout the day.
The oldest surviving structure on the grounds is an original wooden privy from 1836 that somehow escaped demolition when the first lighthouse was torn down. This unexpected survival of such a simple building offers a tangible connection to daily life during the early days of the site.
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