Humboldt Harbor Light

Humboldt Harbor Light was a cylindrical brick tower positioned at the northern entrance of the bay to guide ships into safe waters. The structure used a fourth-order Fresnel lens to project light across great distances over the water.

The structure was built in 1856 as one of the first eight lighthouses on the US West Coast and helped mark a previously difficult coastline to navigate. After three decades of service, it was relocated because the original site proved too vulnerable to natural forces.

The lighthouse served as a vital reference point for the maritime community along the bay, helping sailors navigate safely through fog and darkness. Its beam was a trusted signal that guided ship captains to recognize the harbor entrance.

The foundation and parts of the original structure can still be seen at Samoa Dunes Recreation Area, where they remain accessible outdoors. The original lantern is displayed at Humboldt Bay Maritime Museum, where visitors can learn more about the lighthouse's history and operation.

A notable aspect is that a woman named Sarah Johnson took over as lighthouse keeper after her husband's death in 1859 and maintained the role until 1863. This made her one of the earliest female lighthouse keepers on the American West Coast.

Location: Humboldt County

Inception: 1856

GPS coordinates: 40.76864,-124.22103

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:26