APOSTLE ISLANDS – The National Parks Service announced Monday that crews will soon remove the 42-foot Chequamegon Point Light Tower on Long Island in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore because it can no longer be preserved and is causing safety issues.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore plans to dismantle and remove the historic Chequamegon Point Light Tower.
Shoreline erosion and storm damage have caused significant structural failures, including failing footings, severed anchors, and damaged structural braces. The tower poses an imminent safety risk and if not addressed, it threatens to collapse into Lake Superior, the NPS said.
“Protecting public safety and preserving the integrity of our maritime heritage are core responsibilities,” said Superintendent BriAnna Weldon.
“Unfortunately, the Chequamegon Point Light Tower has reached a point where in-place preservation is no longer feasible. Deconstruction is the safest and most responsible path forward.”
Erected in 1897, the tower was part of a network of navigational aids along the southern shore of Lake Superior. The tower marked the entrance to Chequamegon Bay.
In 1987 the tower was moved 100 feet east to its current location due to shoreline change. Over time, many of its character defining features were removed and only the exposed steel lattice frame and lantern room remain today.
While not individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tower is a contributing feature to the Long Island Light Station historic district. NPS will dismantle the remaining structure and relocate it to an off-site storage location.
The National Park Service is currently contracting specialized services for this project. A detailed timeline will be shared once contractors are selected and logistics are finalized.
MLive
