Point Montara Light facts for kids
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| Point Montara Lighthouse | |
 Point Montara Light
Location in California
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| Location | Point Montara Montara, California United States |
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| Coordinates | 37°32′11″N 122°31′10″W / 37.536503°N 122.519311°W |
| Year first constructed | 1881 (Current) 1900 (First) |
| Year first lit | 1900 (First) 1928 (Current) |
| Automated | 1970 |
| Foundation | concrete base |
| Construction | steel tower |
| Tower shape | tapered cylindrical tower with balcony and lantern |
| Height | 30 feet (9.1 m) |
| Focal height | 70 feet (21 m) |
| Original lens | Fourth order Fresnel lens (1912) |
| Current lens | FA 251 lens |
| Characteristic | Fl W 5s. |
| Admiralty number | G4010 |
| ARLHS number | USA-629 |
| USCG number | 6-0335 |
The Point Montara Light is a historic lighthouse located in Montara, California. It stands on the coast, about 25 miles south of San Francisco Bay, helping ships find their way safely along the California shoreline.
Contents
History of the Point Montara Lighthouse
The Point Montara Lighthouse first began operating in February 1875. It originally used a simple kerosene lamp to shine its light. In 1912, it received a big upgrade: a fourth-order Fresnel lens. This special lens helped make the light much brighter and more focused.
The Lighthouse's Journey
The tower you see today at Point Montara has traveled a long way! It was first built in 1881 in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, where it was known as the Mayo Beach Lighthouse. In 1925, this cast-iron tower was taken apart. It was then moved to California and rebuilt at Point Montara in 1928. This is where it has stood ever since.
When the lighthouse became automated in 1970, its original Fresnel lens was removed. It was given to the San Mateo Historical Society. Today, you can see this historic lens on display at the library of the College of Notre Dame in Belmont, California.
A Hostel and a Movie Star
The Point Montara Lighthouse is not open to the public for tours. Instead, it is home to a youth hostel run by Hostelling International USA. This means young travelers can stay there! The lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This recognizes its importance as a historic site.
In 2001, the lighthouse, especially the hostel part, was used in the movie Bandits. This film starred famous actors like Bruce Willis, Cate Blanchett, and Billy Bob Thornton. For the movie, the location was changed to look like a small roadside inn.
Marine Protected Areas
Just offshore from Montara are special underwater areas called the Montara State Marine Reserve & Pillar Point State Marine Conservation Area. Think of these as underwater parks! They are protected areas that help keep ocean wildlife safe. They also help conserve the amazing marine ecosystems found there.
Images for kids
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An undated photo of the Point Montara Light from the United States Coast Guard.
