Shining a Light on Kenosha's Harbor History: the NEW Southport Light Station Museum

Kenosha, WI (May 24, 2010) - The year was 1837, and the Pike Creek settlement, where Kenosha now lies, became Southport. It was so named because the area was the southern most port in the Wisconsin territory on Lake Michigan. In that year, 61 steamboats and 80 schooners called on the village. A lighthouse was needed in order for these ships to find the village at night. The first was an oak stump cut ten feet off the ground with a wooden platform, lined with rock, built on top. On this, a fire was lit each night during the shipping season. Kenosha’s harbor and its lighthouses have come a long way since then, and the new Southport Light Station Museum informs you of the growth that has occurred between then and now.

Located midway between Chicago and Milwaukee, the Kenosha Area is located on the beautiful shore of Lake Michigan. The new museum is a lighthouse and maritime museum, housed inside the lighthouse keeper’s house, which was built in 1867. The first floor of the building has been restored to a 1907-08 time period, complete with historic paint colors and a period kitchen.

Exhibits document Kenosha's harbor history, complete with information on its lighthouse keepers, shipping and commercial fishing history. A chart desk for nautical charts and maps displays historical harbor maps that date back to 1839, which shows the plot of Southport. An authentic Fresnel lens, on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard, is on display. It has the size lens that used to sit atop the Southport Lighthouse.

The museum is filled with fascinating facts, including that the first and only woman lighthouse keeper was Lorinda Merrill in 1871. She replaced her late husband Joseph. By 1850, building lumber and coal were the major imports into the Kenosha harbor. Wheat was a major export. Between 1902 and 1920, the Hill Steamboat Co. dominated activity in Kenosha’s harbor, transporting passengers and freight, including goods for Nash Motors, American Brass, Simmons Company, Allen Tannery, and Peter Pirsch.

The Southport Lighthouse, built in 1866, is the third lighthouse tower to have existed. During museum hours, visitors can climb the 72 steps to the top of the lighthouse, which is located just steps from the house. The tower stands 55 feet above the lighthouse grounds. Lighthouse souvenirs are available around the corner from the museum, at the Kenosha History Center.

Located at 5117 - 4th Ave. on Simmons Island, the Southport Light Station Museum is open seasonally, now through October 31st, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 12-4pm. There is a suggested donation to tour the museum: $2 adults / $1 students & children. The lighthouse climb costs $10 adults / $5 children 8-12 years old. (Must be 8 or older to climb.) Visit www.kenoshahistorycenter.org or call the Kenosha History Center at (262) 654-5770 for more information.

For more information about the Kenosha Area, including event information and a Kenosha Area Visitors Guide, log on to www.kenoshacvb.com or call the Kenosha Area Convention & Visitors Bureau at (262) 654-7307 or (800) 654-7309. The Visitors Guide is also available by visiting a Kenosha Area Visitor Information Center. The I-94 location is at I-94 & Hwy. 165 East Exit 347, while the Downtown Kenosha location is at 812 - 56th St.

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