Wind Point in Racine County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Foghorn Building

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 4, 2023

1. The Foghorn Building Marker

Inscription. The Wind Point Light Station has had fog signals from the very first days. The horns used a steam engine to force compressed air through the horn to make the sound. In 1880, two separate wooden structures housed the two fog horns.

In 1900, these buildings were replaced with the current brick foghorn building with twin compressed air horns. The distinguishing low frequency two-tone sound (whoo-ahhh) was derived from an organ stop used on some Wurlitzer organs. Originally powered by steam engines, the horns were later driven by hot bulb engines. Electricity drove the horns from 1924 until decommissioning in 1964. The signal could be heard 10 miles out on Lake Michigan.

Although not in use now, the foghorn resonators remain and can be seen on the eastern face of this building. A foghorn still operates on the Racine Reef Light two miles east of the Racine Harbor entrance.

Erected by Village of Wind Point.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 42° 46.884′ N, 87° 45.473′ W. Marker is in Wind Point, Wisconsin, in Racine County. It can be reached from Village Hall Drive east of Lighthouse Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4725 Lighthouse Drive, Racine WI 53402, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Wisconsin and in Greater Milwaukee.

It is also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fog Horn House (here, next to this marker); Surf Boat Rail (a few steps from this marker); Schooner Kate Kelly (a few steps from this marker); The Fuel House and Former Boat House Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Fuel House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Architect (within shouting distance of this marker); The Light (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wind Point.

Other markers no longer nearby. Capstan (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Pier and Boat Rails (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Connor Olson, June 4, 2023

2. The Foghorn Building Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 510 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2023, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.