Piedras Blancas Light Station
15950 CA-1, Ragged Point, CA 93452, USA
Name and Location
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Ragged Point Road in San Luis Obispo County, California.
Construction and History
The Piedras Blancas Light Station was built in 1875 by the United States Lighthouse Service to guide mariners through treacherous coastal waters. It has played a crucial role in maritime safety for over 140 years and is recognized for its cultural significance, with listings on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and as a California Historical Landmark.
Architecture and Materials
The Piedras Blancas Light Station is a rare example of a duplex lighthouse, with two identical structures connected by a common wall. The buildings are constructed from brick and mortar, with a distinctive red color that has faded over time. Each tower stands at 43 feet (13 meters) tall.
Light and Navigation
The lighthouse features a white light characteristic, flashing every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 21 miles (33 kilometers). The light is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which also operates the adjacent Piedras Blancas National Monument.
Accessibility and Visiting
Today, the Piedras Blancas Light Station is no longer an active aid to navigation, having been automated in 1975. Visitors can access the lighthouse grounds via Highway 1, just north of Ragged Point. The BLM operates the site as a museum and interpretive center, offering guided tours and educational programs.
Notable Views and Landscape
The Piedras Blancas Light Station offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean.
Anecdotes and Folklore
N/A
Technical and Operational Details
The lighthouse features a white light characteristic, flashing every 15 seconds, with a range of approximately 21 miles (33 kilometers). The light is maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which also operates the adjacent Piedras Blancas National Monument.
Further Information
- * United States Coast Guard: www.uscg.mil
- * Bureau of Land Management: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/pbls.html
The Piedras Blancas Light Station has a dedicated page on Wikipedia: en:Piedras Blancas Light Station
Details
Name | Piedras Blancas Light Station |
---|---|
City | San Luis Obispo County |
Country | United States |
Coordinates | 35.6656367, -121.2843586 |
Website | https://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/pbls.html |
Year of construction | 1875 |
Architectural style | brick and mortar duplex lighthouse |
Architect | United States Lighthouse Service |
Construction material | brick and mortar |
Tower height | 43 |
Access description | located at the intersection of Highway 1 and Ragged Point Road, accessible via Highway 1 |
Accessible | true |
Landscape type | rocky coast |
Guided tours | true |
Facilities | toilets, gift shop |
Opening hours | Tours available during operating hours |
AIS Radar | false |
Light characteristic | white light, flashing every 15 seconds |
Light range | 21 |
Automated | true |