Name and Location

The Point Montara Light Station is located in Montara, California, USA, situated on the rugged coastline of San Mateo County.

2. Construction and History

The Point Montara Light Station was constructed in 1875 by the United States Lighthouse Board and has been serving as a beacon for mariners since then. The original lighthouse was built to resemble a small castle with a clock tower, standing at an impressive height of 48 feet (14.6 meters) with a focal plane of 53 feet (16.2 meters) above sea level.

3. Architecture and Materials

The Point Montara Light Station's architecture is reminiscent of a small castle with a clock tower. The original structure has been restored, but no specific information on materials used in its construction is available.

4. Light and Navigation

In its heyday, the lighthouse had a white light with a range of 18 miles (29 kilometers), serving as a vital aid to navigation for mariners traveling along the Pacific Coast. The original lens was designed by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel and featured a series of concentric glass prisms that refracted light.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

Although the lighthouse is no longer an active aid to navigation, it has been restored and now serves as a museum and visitor center, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Visitors can explore the lighthouse's historic rooms, including the original keeper's quarters, and enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Point Montara Light Station offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making it a popular tourist destination.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

While there are no recorded incidents of shipwrecks attributed to the Point Montara Light Station, it is likely that the lighthouse played a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives during its operational years. The exact number of vessels aided by the lighthouse remains unknown, but its presence undoubtedly contributed to the safety of mariners navigating the treacherous coastline.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The Point Montara Light Station's original light source was a third-order Fresnel lens, which was later replaced by an electric beacon in 1925. The lighthouse is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources and has been recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark in the state.

9. Further Information

For more information on the Point Montara Light Station, please visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=534 or consult the Wikipedia article, "Point Montara Light" (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Montara_Light).