Sherwood Point, WI

Photographer: Marcia Adamski

Sherwood Point Light Green Bay, WI
Built : 1883 Type : Square/Integral Status : Active Location : Green Bay, WI., located at Sherwood Point near the entrance to Sturgeon Bay. Height : Focal plane of 61 feet Access : Boat - viewable from water only

Keeper: Mr. William Cochems was keeper of the light during the late 1800's and early 1900's. He performed his duties with pride, honor and loyalty. His wife Minnie was close to his heart and a loyal assistant from 1898 through 1929. When she passed away, he constructed a small monument near the lighthouse in honor of her service to the lighthouse and here love. It still stands near the light today.

History of the Light : On March 3, 1881, congress appropriated $12,000 for construction of a light station at Sherwood Point. The basement was blasted out of the rocky terrain it was constructed on. A 25 feet by 37 feet, brick keeper's dwelling was then constructed on a concrete foundation. A square, red brick light tower was integrated with a cast iron, ten-sided lantern. A framed bell tower was also constructed nearby. The tower, bell tower, lantern & trim are white with red roofs.

The lens is a Fifth Order Fresnel and was first lit in 1883. It produced a lens focal plane of 61 feet above lake level. The lens and bearing have the markings: "Barbier & Fenestre, Constr.Paris, 1880"

In the fall of 1983 the light was automated by the U.S. Coast Guard. It would become the last manned lighthouse on the Great Lakes.

It is now used by the U.S. Coast Guard as a private residence with visitors discouraged.

Photographer: Marcia Adamski

Photo courtesy of: U.S. Coast Guard