In Evanston, IL stands the Grosse Point Lighthouse almost hidden among the
surrounding houses and trees. Construction of this 112 feet tall
brick tower was completed in 1873. The tower tapers from a diameter of
twenty-two feet at its base to thirteen feet three inches at the parapet. The
lantern room houses a second-order Fresnel lens, and focal plane of the light is
121 feet above the lake. An adjoining duplex keeper's dwelling and two brick
fog signal buildings were also built.
In 1934, the light was converted to electricity and then later
automated. This action eliminated the need to man the lighthouse. In 1941 the
light was discontinued due to use of other types of navigational aids on the water.
The city of Evanston
acquired the station in 1935 and the tower in1945. In 1946, they reactivated the
lighthouse using the original second-order Fresnel lens. The light is classified
as a private aid to navigation.
In 1976, the lighthouse was listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, and in 1999 it was designated a Historic Landmark.
One side of the duplex keepers dwelling now
houses a museum for visitors to enjoy.
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