Santa Barbara Island Light

The Santa Barbara Island Light is a historic lighthouse located on Santa Barbara Island, California, United States.

History

• The light was constructed in 1855 and has been guiding mariners through the Channel Islands since its completion. The tower's original design was intended to serve as a navigational aid for ships navigating the treacherous waters of the Channel Islands.
• The lighthouse stands at a height of 59.4 meters (195 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of approximately 120 meters (394 feet). The tower is constructed from local stone and features a distinctive rhombus-shaped topmark. The light itself is a white Fresnel lens, emitting a flashing "Fl" pattern every five seconds.

Light Characteristics

The Santa Barbara Island Light has a range of approximately 9 nautical miles (16.7 kilometers) and is visible during the day using its squared-colored topmark. At night, the light emits a powerful beam of light that can be seen for many miles out to sea.

Current Status

The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since 1994. The tower is still maintained by the United States Coast Guard and is open to the public on occasion.

Location and Accessibility

The Santa Barbara Island Light is located at Arch Point Loop Trail, Santa Barbara Island, California. Visitors can access the island via a short hike from the trailhead, although this requires permission from the Channel Islands National Park authorities.

Heritage Status

The Santa Barbara Island Light has been designated as a historic landmark by the United States Coast Guard and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Historical Events

• The light played an important role in the rescue efforts following the sinking of the SS City of Los Angeles in 1914. The ship was carrying over 1,000 passengers when it struck a reef off the coast of Santa Barbara Island, resulting in the loss of over 100 lives. The lighthouse's powerful beam helped guide rescuers to the stricken vessel and facilitated the recovery of survivors.

Coordinates

33° 29' 36" N, 119° 1' 49" W