New Point Loma Lighthouse

This article is about the currently operating Point Loma light. For the historic lighthouse, see Old Point Loma Lighthouse.

Point Loma Light

Point Loma Lighthouse
Location	San Diego, California
Coordinates
Year first lit	1891
Automated	1973
Foundation	Concrete
Construction	Skeletal tower with central cylinder
Tower shape	Square Pyramidal
Markings / pattern	White tower with black lantern and watch room
Height	70 feet (21 m)
Focal height	88 feet (27 m)
Original lens	Third order Fresnel lens
Current lens	VLB-44
Range	22 nm
Characteristic	white flash every 15 sec.
Fog signal	Horn 1 every 30 sec.
Admiralty number	G3676
ARLHS number	USA-626
USCG number	6-0005

The New Point Loma Lighthouse (officially Point Loma Light) is a lighthouse at the southern tip of the Point Loma peninsula in San Diego, California.

History

It was first lighted on March 23, 1891, replacing the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is atop the 400 feet (120 m) cliffs of Point Loma; the old lighthouse was often obscured by fog. The new light is only 88 feet (27 m) above the water. The first lighthouse keeper was Robert Decatur Israel, who had been keeper at the old lighthouse for 18 years.

The original light was 600,000 candlepower and could be seen at a distance of approximately 15 nautical miles. There was also a two-tone diaphone fog horn and living quarters for several families.

The structure is the only one of its kind remaining on the West Coast. It is very similar to Coney Island Light, Plum Island Range Rear Light, La Pointe Light, and Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light, all of which were built at about the same time. The latter three of these are all on the National Register of Historic Places.

The light was automated in 1973. In February 2013, the light that had been in use since 1999 was replaced with a VLB-44. The LED apparatus reduces the maintenance cost of the lighthouse and is brighter than the previous light.

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  Undated USCG photo

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  Undated USCG photo