California Lighthouses

Point Vicente Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:13:53 PM

Fresnel Lens Point Vicente Lighthouse in Southern California with its third-order clamshell Fresnel lens was erected electrified in 1926 and manned by civilian lighthouse keepers until 1939 when the U.S. Coast Guard became responsible for its maintenance and operation. It is still in operation today and this photo was taken as the lens slowly rotated. Taken June 9, 2007 (Image S400-40_024a)

Point Vicente Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:13:42 PM

Standing on the most southwesterly point of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Point Vicente Lighthouse with its third-order clamshell Fresnel lens has long been one of this area's highlights. To the mariner, the lighthouse is an aid to navigation which marks the northern end of the Catalina Channel on the Pacific coast. It was erected in 1926 and manned by civilian lighthouse keepers until 1939, when the U.S. Coast Guard became responsible for its maintenance and operation. Addition of a radio station and helicopter service has made the lighthouse the Coast Guard's principal communications center in Southern California, as well as the base for numerous rescue operations. It is one of the biggest and brightest lights along the coast of California. Taken June 9, 2007 (Image S400-40_029c)

Point Vicente Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:13:20 PM

Piedras Blancas Light Station

5/7/2008 10:11:40 PM

Taken on the Central California Coast near San Simeon September 25, 2006 .The Light Station was established in 1875. In 1949 a fierce storm damaged the lantern room & lens and beautiful sculpted upper portion of the tower. A rotating aero beacon was placed atop the shortened, capped tower, and the lighthouse returned to service. (Image D20-18_2061a)

Piedras Blancas Light Station

5/7/2008 10:11:12 PM

Point Vicente Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:11:05 PM

Big Sur Light Station

5/7/2008 10:09:16 PM

Taken at Big Sur California September 25, 2006. The light was first lit in 1889 and was automated in 1972. It is still active. (Image D20-18_2048a)

Point Loma New Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:06:53 PM

The new Point Loma Lighthouse. Taken 07-30-07 (Image D20-08_0068a)

Point Fermin Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:06:11 PM

The lighthouse was built in 1874 with lumber from California redwoods and a fourth-order Fresnel lens brought around Cape Horn by sailing ships. For its time, this Victorian lighthouse was a palatial structure, crowned with a cupola fitted with a 2,100-candlepower light. The light was electrified in 1926, but extinguished 1941 following the bombing of Pearl Harbor as protection against enemy attacks. It was never lit again. It is located in San Pedro California at the mouth of the harbor. Taken 06-15-06 (Image D20-15_059b)

Point Pinos Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:04:02 PM

Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest active lighthouse on the West Coast. Located on the edge of a golf course in Pacific Grove California it went into operation in 1855, serving an active shipping industry along the coastal waters of the Monterey Bay, not far from San Francisco. Taken 06-13-05 (Image D20-07-042a)

Point Loma Old Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:01:26 PM

The old Point Loma Lighthouse (in San Diego California) was one of the original 8 west coast lighthouses, built in 1855 in the Cape Cod style that was used for all of them. The forty foot tower rises from the center of the keeper's house and was fitted with a third-order Fresnel lens from France. The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was in operation until 1891. Standing 422 feet above sea level, its design did not take into account fog and weather conditions common to the region. Many times ships could not see its beacon. So a new light house was erected down the hill closer to the water. Taken 07-30-07 (Image D20-08_0052a)

Point Loma New Lighthouse

5/7/2008 10:01:23 PM

The new Point Loma Lighthouse. Taken 07-30-07 (Image D20-08_0060a)