National Register Listing

Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light

Breakwater's NW end in Chequamegon Bay, 2 mi. N of Bay City Ck. mouth, Ashland, WI
Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light marks the breakwater at the entry to the port of Ashland. It is significant in the local history of Ashland County. This property's period of historic significance begins in 1915 when its construction was completed and ends in 1956, the most recent year of its operation 50 years before the present. The lighthouse was an important local aid to navigation throughout its period of historical significance. It continues serving this function today for both commercial shipping and recreational watercraft. This property is eligible for listing in the National Register under Criteria A and C. It is significant in terms of Criterion A for its association with the efforts of the Federal government to provide for safe maritime transport on the Great Lakes. This property exemplifies how the long-term Federal program for establishing an integrated system of navigational aids throughout the United States was manifested in the Ashland County locality. Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light is significant under Criterion C because it represents and embodies early twentieth-century lighthouse architecture and engineering. It exemplifies the design and construction methods used in building reinforced concrete lighthouses on piers and breakwaters during that time period. This structure includes two principal components, a concrete pier foundation, and a light tower. The property possesses qualities of the original location, setting, and design. It embodies historical qualities of integrity in materials, workmanship, feeling and association. The character and appearance of Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light are largely unchanged from when it was established as an aid to navigation in 1915. Its existing structural integrity attests to the lasting value of its design, as well as the high quality of its materials and construction. The changes that have been made include replacing the lantern's original optic with modem equipment, removing its fog signal and other machinery formerly used in operating the lighthouse's aids to navigation, and removing interior furnishings associated with the lighthouse's operation by onsite keepers. Despite these changes, the property's character and appearance remain essentially the same as during its 1915 to 1956 period of significance. This lighthouse has been an operating Federal aid to navigation and a local landmark in the Chequamegon Bay vicinity for more than 90 years. It continues to evoke feelings that recall the dedication to duty that characterized United States lighthouse keepers throughout the country's history.
Local significance of the structure:
Maritime History; Transportation; Architecture; Engineering

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

In 1933, Wisconsin became the first state in the country to ratify the 21st Amendment, which ended Prohibition.
Wisconsin random facts
Ashland County, Wisconsin has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and other Native American tribes. European exploration and settlement began in the late 17th century, with French fur traders and missionaries establishing a presence in the region. The area was heavily involved in the fur trade, with trappers and traders using the nearby waterways to transport goods.

In the mid-19th century, Ashland County saw a significant influx of settlers due to the discovery of copper and iron ore deposits. Mining operations boomed, attracting people from all over the country. The city of Ashland was founded in 1854 as a mining town and quickly became a major center for shipping ore and supplies. The mining industry played a crucial role in the development of the county, providing jobs and economic growth.

The arrival of the railroads in the late 19th century further contributed to Ashland County's growth. The railroads improved transportation and allowed for the expansion of industries such as logging and agriculture. Timber became a major industry, with vast forests providing a steady supply of lumber. Agriculture also thrived, with dairy farming becoming particularly important.

Throughout the 20th century, Ashland County experienced both prosperity and challenges. The decline of the mining and logging industries in the latter part of the century had a significant impact on the local economy. However, the county has continued to adapt and diversify, with tourism and outdoor recreation becoming increasingly important. Ashland County is now known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, which attract visitors from all over the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ashland County, Wisconsin.

  • 1860: Ashland County is created by the Wisconsin State Legislature
  • 1870: Ashland becomes the county seat
  • 1870s: Logging and sawmills drive the local economy
  • 1883: The Wisconsin Central Railroad reaches Ashland
  • 1894: Ashland experiences a devastating fire that destroys most of the city
  • 1900: The population of Ashland County reaches its peak
  • 1920s: The decline of the lumber industry leads to a shift in the local economy towards tourism and agriculture
  • 1940s: Ashland County contributes to the war effort during World War II
  • 1970s: The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is established, boosting tourism in the area
  • 1990s: The population of Ashland County begins to decline