The Chicago Harbor Lighthouse, also called the Chicago Breakwater Light, was first lit in 1893 and originally sat at the mouth of the Chicago River. The lighthouse now sits on the breakwater in the Harbor of Lake Michigan.
The first lighthouse was built at the mouth of the Chicago River in 1832 to warn ships of the shallow waters. Ships were required to anchor in the harbor and use smaller ships to carry their goods across the mouth of the river. This original structure was replaced in 1852 by another lighthouse and finally with the current lighthouse in 1893.
The construction of the current lighthouse was prompted by Chicago's planned hosting of the 1893 World's Fair. After the fair was over, the state of the art Third Order Fresnal Lens with alternating white and red panels that was featured at the fair was installed in the lighthouse.
In 1919, the lighthouse was moved from the mouth of the Chicago River to the breakwater in the harbor. The lighthouse still is actively used by the Coast Guard to direct boat traffic in Lake Michigan. A lighthouse keeper lived in the living quarters until 1979, when the light was upgraded and automated. The lighthouse was fully restored in 1997, but remains closed to the public.
