Fort Point Light, San Francisco

Welcome to Fort Point Light, a decommissioned lighthouse located beneath the south anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California. This historic landmark is situated at the south end of the narrowest part of Golden Gate strait and has a rich history dating back to the mid-19th century. Fort Point Light was preceded by two other lighthouses in nearby locations. The original lighthouse, built in 1853, was a Cape Cod style lighthouse with an integral tower. It was the second lighthouse to be built on the US west coast, but it stood for only three months and was never lit. While awaiting the arrival of its lens, it was torn down to make room for the Army fort. The second lighthouse at Fort Point was a squat wooden 36-foot tower with four sides that sloped up to a square watch room. It was built on the narrow ledge between the fort and the water. In 1855, the light behind its fourth-order Fresnel lens was lit for the first time. However, erosion undermined its foundation, and in 1863 it was torn down to make way for a bigger seawall. Fort Point's third lighthouse was built atop the wall of the fort in 1864. It was built as a 27-foot iron skeleton tower with a spiral staircase. A fifth-order lens was originally fitted, but in 1902 the lens was upgraded to a fourth-order lens, which produced alternating white and red flashes. The lighthouse remained in operation until 1934 when it was decommissioned. Today, visitors can explore the historic Fort Point Light and learn about its fascinating history. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase to the top of the lighthouse and take in the breathtaking views from the observation deck. In addition to the lighthouse, visitors can also explore the nearby Fort Point National Historic Site. This fort was built in the mid-19th century to protect San Francisco Bay from potential attacks. The fort played a significant role in the Civil War and was used as a military base until 1900. Overall, Fort Point Light is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting San Francisco. Its rich history and stunning views make it a unique and memorable experience. Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this iconic landmark and learn about its fascinating past.

Location: San Francisco

Inception: 1855

Height: 8.2 m

Material: cast iron

Source: Wikimedia