Point Sur Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse on California Central Coast, United States
Point Sur Lighthouse stands on a volcanic rock outcrop along California's coast and consists of a white square tower with a black lantern. The complex includes several original support buildings such as residences and storage rooms that remain intact today.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 to guide ships through dangerous coastal waters. After more than 60 years of operating with whale oil and animal fat as fuel, the facility was eventually converted to electric power.
The lighthouse complex shows how ships found their way before modern technology existed. The surviving buildings tell the story of the lighthouse keepers and their families who lived isolated on this rocky point.
The structure is accessible only through guided walking tours that run several times a week and last about three hours. The route includes paths with varying slopes and can be challenging in poor weather.
The heart of the lighthouse is a massive French-made Fresnel lens that rotates inside the tower and moves with an elegant mechanical system despite its weight. This optical technology allowed the light to project across the ocean for many miles.
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