St. George Reef Light

The St. George Reef Light is a historic lighthouse located on St. George Reef, off the coast of Del Norte County, California, United States.

The St. George Reef Light was constructed in 1891 and began operation that same year.
The light played a crucial role in maritime navigation, serving as an aid to mariners in the treacherous waters of the Pacific Ocean.
Due to its remote location, keepers rotated three months on the rock and two months off, making it a hardship duty assignment.

The St. George Reef Light is a 42-foot-tall (13 m) tower that stands atop a rocky outcropping.

The structure is constructed from stone and features a distinctive square shape with a lantern room at its top.

The light's architecture reflects the traditional design of lighthouses built during the late 19th century.

The St. George Reef Light emits a fixed white light that can be seen from a distance of approximately 20 nautical miles (37 km).

The light's pattern is not specified, but it is believed to be a rotating beam or a fixed optic.

The St. George Reef Light is no longer an active aid to navigation and has been automated.

However, the lighthouse remains in good condition and is maintained by the St. George Reef Lighthouse Preservation Society.

The St. George Reef Light is located on St. George Reef, off the coast of Del Norte County, California.

The reef itself is a challenging location to access, with strong currents and rocky terrain making it difficult for vessels to navigate.

Visitors can reach the lighthouse by boat or kayak, but this requires careful planning and preparation.

The St. George Reef Light was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999 (NRHP #93001373).

The structure is also designated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL) and is protected under the National Historic Preservation Act.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by lighthouse keepers in remote locations.

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