Saint Croix River Light

Year Built

1857

Cost

$9,000

Type

Skeleton tower surmounted by platform

Height

75 feet

Location

St. Croix River

Automated Year

1957

First Lit

1901

Lens Type

Fifth order Fresnel Lens

Fog Signal

None

Year Deactivated

1976

Color

White

Last Keeper - Date

Wilbur Bardwell (1954 – )

Description

The lighthouse was a wooden octagonal tower atop the keeper’s house and was destroyed by fire in 1976. The present skeleton tower was built following the fire.

Brief History

•  Established in 1857 the Saint Croix River light was the first lighthouse in the First Lighthouse District.
•  1885, A frame boat-house, 20 by 12 feet, and a boat-slip 80 feet long, were built, a winch and rope were furnished, and various repairs were made.
•  In 1901 the lighthouse was rebuilt. It, too, was a tower atop a keeper’s house.
•  The light was automated in 1957 and was basically abandoned.
•  In 1976 a fire destroyed the light station.