Pigeon Point Lighthouse - September, 1999
Construction of the lighthouse at Pigeon Point began in 1871. The fog signal was completed and activated during that year; the lighthouse was completed and lit on November 5, 1872.
The original first order lens, which still sits in the tower, is believed to have come from the first Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
In 1960, the keepers dwelling was removed and replaced by four Coast Guard Homes.
The lighthouse was automated and vacated in 1974. Because of the vandalism which ensued, a caretaker was hired in 1977. In 1979, the site other than the tower was turned over to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Today, it is used as a youth hostel.
The lighthouse is an easy one to find. It is visible from Highway 1, 19 miles south of Half Moon Bay. There are two marked exits from the highway that lead to the site. I prefer the one to the north, as it gives me good distant views, including the one shown here.
California Lighthouses - Lorne's Lighthouses
Comments to: Lorne Hull
Last updated: 23 Oct 1999
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