The historic Grosse Point Light is located in Evanston, Illinois. Following several shipping disasters near Evanston, residents successfully lobbied the federal government for a lighthouse. Construction was completed in 1873. The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 8, 1976. On 20 January 1999, the lighthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark. It is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Evanston Lighthouse Park District, an independent taxing authority.HistoryImpetusThe United States government agreed to construct the lighthouse at Grosse Point after several maritime disasters near the area showed need for it. Shoals were a real hazard, and ship traffic was increasing concurrent with development in the Midwest, the growth of Chicago, the aftermath of the Chicago Fire, and the increased trade and exploitation of natural resources throughout the Great Lakes. Particularly influential was the 1860 sinking of the Lady Elgin, a disaster which claimed more than 300 lives. The citizens of Evanston petitioned the government for the light station, but the Civil War (1861-1865) delayed any funding for the project. Lighthouses in Chicago proper were proving themselves insufficient, so there was a perceived need for action.ConstructionThe project to construct a lighthouse began in 1872, supervised by Orlando Metcalf Poe, who designed the buildings. Most of the construction was completed by June 30, 1873, although the lamp would not be lit for several months. Finally, in March 1874, the light commenced operation. The building is designed in Italianate architecture. See Grosse Point Lighthouse and all Evanston has to offer by arranging your trip with our Evanston trip planner.
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Grosse Point Lighthouse reviews
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When I first saw Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, I immediately wanted to know its history. It was built in 1873. After that, there's been some 150 years of its long service. When I learnt its...
When I first saw Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, I immediately wanted to know its history. It was built in 1873. After that, there's been some 150 years of its long service. When I learnt its... more »
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Excellent Spot,Beatiful Gardens with an amazing lake view. Must stop & check it all out. One of my many places to visit when going home.
Excellent Spot,Beatiful Gardens with an amazing lake view. Must stop & check it all out. One of my many places to visit when going home. more »
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Very unique landmark. We parked at the adjoining beach parking lot, wandered around the mansion and over to the lighthouse. The place is intriguing and fun to look at.
Very unique landmark. We parked at the adjoining beach parking lot, wandered around the mansion and over to the lighthouse. The place is intriguing and fun to look at. more »
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Beautiful place to hangout
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A very nice place to visit. There is a little door round the back that lets you into a basement area that actually existed before the light house. Its a large open space that seemingly defies logic. There are no props or columns to hold the ground above from collapsing. Its as though the space wills itself open. There are a series of small walls, that have long since crumbled, centrally located and it looks as though there was a tribe of people that lived here roughly 2500 years ago. Centrally to this is a well. The well is the only thing that still stands and still has water within. No one can tell you how deep this well is. People have recorded seeing fish in the well but no species they recognise. Divers have been sent in but after one died mysteriously they have stopped sending people down it.
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I love this place I wish they would rehab the older building. We don't have lighthouses here in illinois it would be wonderful to have this one redone so we can go into it and learn about the history of it. It has very ornate gutters and down spouts. It sure could b a beautiful building..
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If you take a trip to Evanston, IL... this is a must stop! It's tranquil and beautiful! Parking is limited but available at the lighthouse.
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Great piece of history to visit in Evanston. Fun and interesting.
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