Lighthouses that have been decommissioned by the federal government are up for auction this summer. Bids for the Kenosha North Pierhead Lighthouse in Wisconsin and Fairport Harbor West Breakwater Light in Ohio are due by Wednesday afternoon, and bids for the Conneaut Harbor West Breakwater Light in Ohio are due by July 20.
In addition to these three, which are available to individual bidders, the U.S. General Services Administration has made another 12 lighthouses available. The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act governs the decommissioning of the facilities and the agency would like to give them to qualified historical groups, community preservation organizations, state or local organizations or other nonprofits.
Federal Deputy Commissioner of Public Buildings David Foley was quoted by Delaware Online as saying, “These diverse lighthouses are testaments to the richness and beauty of American history and serve as markers of exploration and discovery.” He went on to say, “GSA is committed to ensuring that these national beacons of light and life are transferred to new stewards dedicated to preserving their historic significance.”
Many lighthouses have fallen out of use as more marine navigators use radio, satellite and radar navigation systems. Lighthouses may, in some cases, find new life as hotels.
