Old Point Loma Lighthouse facts for kids
| Location | Cabrillo National Monument |
|---|---|
| Year first lit | 1855 |
| Deactivated | 1891 |
| Height | 46 feet (14 m) |
| Focal height | 462 feet (141 m) |
| Original lens | Third-order Fresnel lens |
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a famous old lighthouse located in San Diego, California. It sits on the Point Loma peninsula, right at the entrance to San Diego Bay. Today, it's no longer used to guide ships. Instead, it's a popular museum where you can learn about its past.
Many people mistakenly call it the "Old Spanish Lighthouse." However, it was actually built in 1855 by the United States government. This was after California became a state, not during the time when Spain or Mexico ruled the area.
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Building the Lighthouse: A Look Back
After California joined the United States in 1850, the government decided to build lighthouses along the coast. These lights were very important for guiding ships safely. In 1850, Congress set aside money to build several lighthouses, including one at Point Loma.
Work on the Point Loma Lighthouse began in April 1854. Materials arrived from San Francisco, and the special lens and lantern were ordered all the way from Paris, France. The lighthouse was finished by October 1855. Its light shone for the very first time on November 15, 1855.
Next to the lighthouse, a smaller building was also constructed. This building first stored oil and other supplies. Later, in 1875, part of it became a small apartment for the assistant lighthouse keeper. Today, this building is also a museum. It holds the original lens from the newer Point Loma lighthouse and offers more information about the area's history.
Why the Light Moved
When it was built, the Point Loma Lighthouse was the highest lighthouse in the United States. It sat on top of a 400-foot (about 122-meter) cliff. But this high location caused a problem: fog and low clouds often hid the light from ships. On foggy nights, the lighthouse keeper sometimes fired a shotgun to warn ships away!
Because of the fog, a new lighthouse was built at a lower spot closer to the ocean. On March 23, 1891, the light in the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was turned off forever. The new lighthouse took over its job.
From Lighthouse to Monument
After the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was no longer used, it started to fall apart. In 1913, President Woodrow Wilson declared the lighthouse and some land around it as Cabrillo National Monument. This was to honor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to sail into San Diego Bay.
In 1935, the lighthouse got a big makeover and was restored to its original look. Years later, in 1949, a statue of Cabrillo was placed near the lighthouse. This statue was a gift from the government of Portugal.
In 1984, the lighthouse light was turned on again for one special day. This celebrated its 130th birthday! More than 3,000 people came to the party, including many family members of the old lighthouse keepers.
Who Were the Lighthouse Keepers?
The lighthouse keepers were the people who lived and worked at the lighthouse. Their job was to make sure the light was always shining to guide ships safely. Here are some of the people who served as keepers:
- James P. Keating (1854–1859)
- H. C. Wiley (1859)
- J. N. Covarrubias (1859–1860)
- Joseph Renier (1860)
- James P. Keating (1860–1861)
- W. C. Price (1861–1867)
- J. D. Jenkins (1867–1871)
- Enos A. Wall (1871–1872)
- James J. Ferra (1872–1873)
- Robert D. Israel (1873–1891)
Robert Israel: The Longest-Serving Keeper
Robert D. Israel was the lighthouse keeper for the longest time—18 years! He was born in Pennsylvania in 1826. He had fought in the Mexican–American War before moving to San Diego in 1848.
Robert Israel married Maria Arcadia Alipas Machado in 1852. Maria was from an old San Diego family. They had four children together. Like most wives of lighthouse keepers, Maria was also an assistant keeper.
The Israel family lived alone at the lighthouse. They made sure the light was lit every night. They gardened, kept horses, and raised chickens, pigs, and goats. Their children even rowed across the bay to Old Town every day for school!
When the new lighthouse was built in 1891, Robert Israel moved there to be its keeper. He died in 1908 and is buried in a national cemetery. Today, some of his descendants volunteer at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. They help bring history to life for visitors.
Life Inside the Lighthouse
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse was more than just a light tower; it was a busy family home. The keepers and their families lived right inside the lighthouse building. When you visit today, you can see some of the rooms and imagine what life was like for them.
The Israel family, with their three sons and a niece, grew up there. They had a garden and raised animals. People from town would sometimes visit by horse and buggy. They would come to picnic and see the lighthouse and its keepers.
The Lighthouse After It Closed
After the lighthouse stopped working in 1891, it started to decay. In 1913, it was saved when it became part of Cabrillo National Monument. The monument was given to the National Park Service in 1933.
By 1935, the lighthouse was fully restored. During World War II (1941-1945), the lighthouse was painted camouflage green. It was used as a signal tower to guide ships into San Diego Harbor.
After the war, the lighthouse went back to the National Park Service. In the 1980s, it was restored again. It was filled with furniture from the 1800s to look like it did when the Israel family lived there. Today, the lantern room holds a special lens from another lighthouse called Mile Rocks.
Visiting the Lighthouse Today
The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is now a famous landmark and a museum. Visitors can go inside and explore parts of the living areas. Sometimes, you might even meet volunteer actors dressed as historical figures. These include "Captain Israel" or "members of Cabrillo's crew."
The very top of the lighthouse tower is usually closed to the public. But it opens twice a year for special occasions! These days are August 25th, which is the National Park Service's Birthday, and November 15th, the Lighthouse's Anniversary.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Faro de Point Loma para niños
- List of lighthouses in the United States
- Cabrillo National Monument
- New Point Loma lighthouse
