Algoma Light


The Algoma Light or Algoma Pierhead Light is a lighthouse located near Algoma in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin.
The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. It was rebuilt in 1908, at which time it was a conical tower built of steel plate, in diameter at the base and in diameter at the parapet. It stood high. In 1932, it was modified again and the entire structure was raised to a height of by placing the older tower on a new steel base in diameter, that increased the focal height to forty-two feet. The station was automated in 1973. It is listed as number 20975 in the USCG light lists.

History

The lighthouse was first established in 1893 as a set of range lights. In 1895, a fifth-order lens replaced the original lantern; increasing the effective range of the light to 11 miles. In 1907, with the keeper's accommodations still unbuilt, the wooden tower was in a significant state of distress and the decision was made to replace the tower. It was rebuilt in 1908. It stood high.
The Fresnel lens remained the source of illumination until June 5, 2019, when it was replaced with an LED light. The Fresnel lens was placed on display at the North Point Lighthouse museum in Milwaukee.

Keepers

The Light has had several keepers throughout its long history even prior to the construction of the tower. Ole Hansen was the first to man the light from 1893 – 1895. Charles E. Young followed in 1895 and remained until 1899. The third keeper was Nelson Knudsen who manned it from 1899 to 1901. In 1901, Gustavus Umberham transferred to Algoma from the Cedar River Lighthouse; bringing his five children with him. Umberham drowned on February 3, 1913, during a boat trip with three acquaintances, he was swept overboard by a large wave. Eugene Kimball, a close friend of Umberham was transferred to the station in April 1913. Kimball was manned the light until 1923 when he was transferred. After Kimball left, Carl J. Graan manned the lighthouse from 1923 to 1944.