Pacific Grove in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
1. Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House Marker
In the 1880’s, before the conversion to electricity in 1919, the lighthouse signal lanterns were lighted by burning very volatile fuels such as kerosene. The high volatility caused several accidents and eventually forced the Lighthouse Board to build fuel storage houses away from the lighthouses and the keeper’s living quarters. (Note the heavy iron door that was additional protection in the event of an explosion)
Our Point Pinos oil house is now being utilized as a workshop by the lighthouse restoration team.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.
Location. 36° 38.006′ N, 121° 56.008′ W. Marker is in Pacific Grove, California, in Monterey County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Asilomar Boulevard and Lighthouse Avenue, on the right when traveling south. This marker is on the grounds of the Point Pinos Lighthouse, a short walk from the parking
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Gipsy (within shouting distance of this marker); John Denver (approx. 0.3 miles away); Balance Lost and Found Again (approx. one mile away); Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds (approx. one mile away); Glass Bottom Boat (approx. 1.1 miles away); Gosby House Inn (approx. 1.1 miles away); Centrella Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Chautauqua Hall (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pacific Grove.
Regarding Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House. The Point Pinos Lighthouse was constructed 1853-54 and first lit in 1855. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast.
Photographed By Diane Phillips
2. Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House Marker
The new marker location has changed to the other side of the building.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
3. Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House and Marker
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
4. The Point Pinos Lighthouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
5. The Point Pinos Lighthouse in on the National Register of Historic Places
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
6. The Point Pinos Lighthouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
7. The Point Pinos Lighthouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
8. The Point Pinos Lighthouse
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
9. The Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, February 25, 2013
10. World War II Coast Guard Office
Photographed By Diane Phillips
11. Point Pinos Lighthouse Oil House Marker
This new marker has replaced the older one.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 566 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on June 14, 2021, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on March 8, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 11. submitted on June 14, 2021, by Diane Phillips of Pittsburg, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
