Perched on the central California coast, 50 miles south of San Francisco, the 115-foot Pigeon Point Lighthouse is one of the tallest lighthouses in the country and has been guiding mariners since 1872. The five-wick lard oil lamp and first order Fresnel lens, comprised of 1,008 prisms, was first lit at sunset, Nov. 15, 1872.
Pigeon Point’s original name, Whale Point, was inspired by the gray whales that migrate past the point. California’s boom from Gold Rush to statehood brought many ships to these perilous waters.
Those who have followed me for some time know I love lighthouses, so you are not surprised about the amount of photos from this place.
How Tall is the Lighthouse?
It is
100′ above ground to the focal plane of the lens.
115′ above ground to the top of the tower.
150′ (about) above sea level to the focal plane of the lens.
The information is from https://www.thatsmypark.org/parks-and-beaches/pigeon-point-light-station-state-historic-park/
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 