Point Conception Lighthouse

Point Conception Light is a lighthouse on Point Conception at the west entrance of the Santa Barbara Channel, California. It is one of the earliest California lighthouses and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Point was named Punta de la Limpia Concepción by Sebastián Vizcaíno in 1602, who was the next Spanish sailor to venture the Pacific waters along theCalifornia coast after Juan Cabrillo. The 1835 experience of the sailing ship Pilgrim, which was damaged and nearly capsized in a sudden change of weather here, is typical of boaters even today.

It was here at Point Conception in 1856, that the lighthouse was built high on the sandstone cliffs, above the location of the present lighthouse. The first order Fresnel lens[7] and steel tower for the lighthouse were made in France at a cost of $65,068 and were transported around Cape Horn.

The lighthouse was severely damaged during the Fort Tejon earthquake of January 9, 1857. in 1881 he lighthouse was moved from the top of the bluff to a mesa halfway down because the fog would be less likely to obscure the light, It was rebuilt 133 feet above the Pacific Ocean.

In recent years, Vandenberg Air Force Base restricts access from the northwest, and the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve restricts access from the adjoining land although a few people have reached the lighthouse by hiking west along the narrow rugged public beach several miles from the nearest road during low tide. Some have also arranged well in advance with the Coast Guard for access.

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Point Conception Lighthouse

Point Conception is called the “Great Horn” of California by sailors attempting to navigate its treacherous waters.

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Point Conception Lighthouse

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Point Conception Lighthouse

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