…and it’s unique history
About
The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse is an active lighthouse that is located at the end at the end of the northern breakwater and at the mouth of the Chicago River bordering the Navy Pier.
History
The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse was first built in 1893 as a part of the World’s Columbian Exposition, or the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus coming to the New World. The exposition was a highly powerful social and influential movement that had a profound effect on the architecture, culture, etc. in present day Chicago.
In 1917 when the breakwater was renovated, a fog signal and boat house (as seen in the picture) were also constructed. The lighthouse was moved to it’s current location at the end of the breakwater in 1919. Also installed in 1919, was a Third Order Fresnel lens. This lens had significant historical value in the fact it was a first place winner at a Paris glass exhibition before it was mandated by the Lighthouse Board to install the lens in the Chicago Harbor Lighthouse.
In 1984, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2003, the lighthouse was named a historic Chicago landmark.
The original Third Order lens was eventually removed from the lighthouse and is now on display at the Cabrillo National Monument in California.
In present day, there is a relief sculpture named “The Spirit Of the Waters” in front of Chicago’s City Hall commemorating the lighthouse as “a significant role in the development of Chicago.” Wikipedia
The lighthouse is currently an aid to navigation and no visitor access is permitted.
Location
The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse can be seen from our Carefree Boat Club Chicago marina location (31st Harbor) but the best access can be seen from a boat! Schedule a FREE tour in one of our Carefree Boat Club Chicago boats and learn more about this historical landmark!
The 31st Harbor marina is located just south of McCormick Place on the corner of South Lake Shore Dr and 31st St and is minutes from downtown Chicago.
Contact Us
3155 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60616
312-788-8929
Images and Sources: Wikipedia, Thinkstock
