Featured Destination Story

St. George Reef Lighthouse

Crescent City, CA

St. George Reef is located six miles off the coast near Crescent City, California. It was originally named the “Dragon Rocks” by Captain George Vancouver, with the hopes that St. George would slay them. But it was not until the sinking of the steamer Brother Jonathan in July 1865, and the loss of 200 lives, did the government determine the need for a lighthouse.

Construction began in 1881 and could only take place during the spring and summer, as the fall and winter were considered too unstable. Two ships, anchored on each side of the rocks, served as crew quarters. A cable was stretched from each ship to the top of the rock, and a platform suspended from the cable was used to transport the workmen to and fro.