Old
Point Loma
Lighthouse

Although picturesque during the day, the purpose of Point Loma Lighthouse was to guide ships at night by providing them a marker beacon for navigation.

   This is the same view of Old Point Loma Lighthouse during the day. (Actually, the night view above is an artist's conception derived from this photograph.  Lantern light in the lower windows is from the room that served as the kitchen/dining area.)

    Point Loma Lighthouse was built in 1854, one of the first 8 lighthouses constructed on the West Coast by the U.S. government.  It was built in the same style as those on the East Coast, and positioned as they were, high above sea level.  The placement, however, didn't work well in California because the coastal weather is different.  Common low clouds and fog that occur frequently here rendered the lighthouse ineffective.  This lighthouse was only in service 36 years, then abandoned in 1891 when a new lighthouse was built on the point down near the water.