Battery Point Light Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Battery Point Light
*Crescent City*
Location	Crescent City California United States
Coordinates	41°44′39″N 124°12′11″W / 41.7441°N 124.2031°W / 41.7441; -124.2031
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 (original), 375 mm lens (current)
Range	12 nautical miles; 23 kilometres (14 mi)
Characteristic	Fl W 30s.

The Battery Point Light is a historic lighthouse located in Crescent City, California, United States. It stands on a small island that you can walk to during low tide. This lighthouse is recognized as a special place, listed as a California Historical Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also known as the "Crescent City Lighthouse."

History of Battery Point Lighthouse
Visit the Battery Point Lighthouse Museum
Gallery
See also

History of Battery Point Lighthouse

The Battery Point Light was one of the very first lighthouses built along the California coast. Back in the 1800s, traveling by sea was super important for people and businesses in this area. There were no easy roads over the mountains or bridges over rivers.

Building the Lighthouse

In 1855, the government set aside $15,000 to build this important lighthouse. It was built on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a strip of land called an isthmus. You can only cross this land bridge when the tide is low. The lighthouse first shone its light in 1856. It used a special Fresnel lens to make its light bright and visible far away.

Lighthouse Keepers and Automation

The first person to live and work at the lighthouse, called a keeper, was Theophilis Magruder. Keepers had to make sure the light was always working to guide ships safely. In 1953, the lighthouse became "automated," meaning machines took over the job. A modern lens replaced the old Fresnel lens. Wayne Piland was the last keeper before the lighthouse became automated.

Surviving a Tsunami

In 1964, a very powerful earthquake happened in Alaska. This earthquake caused a huge ocean wave called a tsunami that traveled all the way to Crescent City. Even though the tsunami caused a lot of damage in the town, the strong Battery Point Lighthouse stood firm and survived!

After the tsunami, in 1965, the light in the lighthouse tower was turned off. A new flashing light was placed at the end of the nearby breakwater to help guide ships. But in 1982, the light in the Battery Point Lighthouse was turned back on. Today, it helps guide boats as a private aid to navigation.

Visit the Battery Point Lighthouse Museum

Today, the Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum is run by the Del Norte Historical Society. You can visit the lighthouse and explore its history! It's only open when the tide is low enough to walk across the land bridge.

From April through September, the lighthouse is open daily for tours between 10 AM and 4 PM. From October through March, you can visit on weekends during the same hours. It's a good idea to check the tide times before you go, because the water can rise quickly and cover the path to the lighthouse! Inside, you can see the lighthouse keeper's living quarters, filled 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!