Battery Point Light facts for kids
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| Battery Point Light | |
 Battery Point Light
Crescent City Location in California
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| Location | Crescent City California United States |
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| Coordinates | 41°44′39″N 124°12′11″W / 41.7441°N 124.2031°W |
| Year first constructed | 1856 |
| Automated | 1953 |
| Deactivated | 1965–1982 continuously occupied |
| Foundation | natural emplaced |
| Construction | brick tower and granite keeper's house |
| Tower shape | cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern on the roof of keeper's house |
| Markings / pattern | white tower, red lantern |
| Height | 45 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 77 feet (23 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens |
| Current lens | 375 mm lens |
| Range | 12 nautical miles; 23 kilometres (14 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl W 30s. |
| Admiralty number | G4417.5 |
| ARLHS number | USA-043 |
| USCG number | 6-0555 |
Battery Point Light is a historic lighthouse in Crescent City, California, United States. It sits on a small island that you can walk to when the tide is low. This lighthouse is officially recognized as a California Historical Landmark. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the "Crescent City Lighthouse."
Contents
History of Battery Point Light
Building the Lighthouse
Battery Point Light was one of the very first lighthouses built along the California coast. Back then, traveling by sea was super important. It helped people and goods move around because there were no good roads or bridges.
In 1855, the government decided to build a lighthouse here. They chose a tiny island connected to Battery Point by a strip of land. This land bridge appears only when the tide is low.
First Light and Changes
The lighthouse first shone its light in 1856. It used a special type of light called a Fresnel lens. This lens was very powerful and helped ships see the light from far away.
In 1953, the lighthouse became automated. This means machines took over the job of the lighthouse keepers. A newer, smaller lens replaced the old Fresnel lens.
Surviving the Tsunami
In 1964, a huge earthquake happened in Alaska. This earthquake caused a massive tsunami (a giant ocean wave) that hit Crescent City. The Battery Point Lighthouse bravely survived this powerful natural disaster.
After the tsunami, the lighthouse's light was turned off for a while. A new flashing light on a nearby breakwater guided ships instead. But in 1982, the light in the lighthouse tower was turned back on. Today, it helps guide boats as a private aid to navigation.
Visiting Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum
The Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is managed by the Del Norte Historical Society. You can visit the lighthouse, but only when the tide is low enough to walk across the land bridge.
When to Visit
From April through September, the lighthouse is open daily. Tours usually run between 10 AM and 4 PM. From October through March, you can visit on weekends during the same hours.
It's very important to check the tide times before you go. The water can rise quickly, making the path to the lighthouse disappear fast!
What You'll See
Inside the museum, you can explore the lighthouse keeper's living quarters. They are set up with furniture and items from the 1850s. There are also displays of old maritime tools, photos, and historical papers. A highlight of the tour is climbing up into the light tower itself!
Gallery
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U.S. Coast Guard Archive
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Battery Point Lighthouse from shore
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Battery Point Lighthouse towards shore
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Front door entrance and surrounding yard
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Battery Point Lighthouse at sunset
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Battery Point Light on the coast of California
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