Inverness in Marin County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Point Reyes Light
— Point Reyes National Seashore —
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2009
1. Point Reyes Light Marker
Photo caption - Upper right:
At sundown a lightkeeper lit the wick of an oil lamp that set inside the lens.1,3032 dazzling prisms directed a beam to the horizon. In this 1927 photo a lightkeeper polishes the lens.
Photo caption - middle:
An exquisite brass clockwork rotated the lens to give the appearance of a flashing light. The mechanism still works.
Photo caption - lower right: Until 1929 the fog signal occupied a niche well below the lighthouse. During foggy spells a steam whistle on the roof blew once a minute. Lightkeepers stoked the boilers with 140 lbs. of coal per hour.
At sundown a lightkeeper lit the wick of an oil lamp that set inside the lens.1,3032 dazzling prisms directed a beam to the horizon. In this 1927 photo a lightkeeper polishes the lens.
Photo caption - middle:
An exquisite brass clockwork rotated the lens to give the appearance of a flashing light. The mechanism still works.
Photo caption - lower right: Until 1929 the fog signal occupied a niche well below the lighthouse. During foggy spells a steam whistle on the roof blew once a minute. Lightkeepers stoked the boilers with 140 lbs. of coal per hour.
Weather permitting, you may visit the historic lighthouse via the stairway to your left. Be prepared for a steep return up more than 300 steps, Exhibits in the watch room below the lantern describe the historic operation of the lighthouse. (Inscription beside the upper photo on the right) At sundown a lightkeeper lit the wick of an oil lamp that set inside the lens.1,3032 dazzling prisms directed a beam to the horizon. In this 1927 photo a lightkeeper polishes the lens.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 37° 59.784′ N, 123° 1.266′ W. Marker is in Inverness, California, in Marin County. Marker can be reached from Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The marker is located near the Visitor Center
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Common Murres (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rock Plants (within shouting distance of this marker); Point Reyes Light Station (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Point Reyes Conglomerate (about 300 feet away); Victims of the Coast (approx. 2.3 miles away); Lives of Sacrifice and Service are Honored Here (approx. 2.3 miles away); Whalewatching (approx. 2.3 miles away); Sea Life in These Waters (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inverness.
Photographed By Karen Key
2. Point Reyes Light Marker and Visitor Center
The marker is visible at the far left of the photo.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2009
3. Point Reyes Light House
Note the many steps mentioned in the marker text.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2009
4. Point Reyes Light House
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 5, 2009
5. Caution Sign at the Entrance to the Steps
Editors Note: The trip down is easy, but walking back up the steps can be a challenge for some.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2013. Photos: 1. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on March 14, 2007, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 16, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
