Point Loma in San Diego in San Diego County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

The Heart and Soul of Lighthouses

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2015

1. The Heart and Soul of Lighthouses Marker

Inscription. Since ancient times, lighthouses have been integral to the development of maritime commerce around the globe. With each voyage, mariners staked their cargoes and, indeed, their very lives on these lights. The story of lighthouses in the United States begins with the Boston Light in 1716.

The heart of a lighthouse is its lens and the lamp within. Nineteenth century lighthouse lenses are works of art in polished brass and glass. Throughout much of history, the soul of those lighthouses has been the keepers whose dedication and attention to detail kept the lights shining night after night.

This is the story of the lighthouses that have served on Point Loma, lighting the way into San Diego Harbor and keeping mariners safe, their jewel-like lenses and the keepers, assistant keepers and families who lived in and cared for them.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1716.

Location. 32° 40.309′ N, 117° 14.454′ W. Marker is in San Diego, California, in San Diego County. It is in Point Loma. It can be reached from Humphreys Road south of Cabrillo Memorial Drive. Marker is

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mounted at eye-level beside the former Assistant Lightkeeper's building south entrance, on the south side of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo National Monument. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego CA 92106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Peninsular Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: High and Dry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Civilian Conservation Corps (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Point Loma Lighthouse (about 300 feet away); Point Loma - The Early Years (about 300 feet away); Point Loma Lighthouse (about 300 feet away); Ears to the Sea, Eyes on the Weather (about 500 feet away); They also serve who only stand and wait (about 700 feet away); Harbor Lights (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Diego.

Other markers no longer nearby. The Bayside Trail (was about 300 feet away); Army Radio Station (was about 500 feet away but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Army Radio Station (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . Old Point Loma Lighthouse (Wikipedia). When the lighthouse was constructed, an additional small structure was built next to it. This building was originally used as a storehouse for oil, wood,

Photographed by Adam Margolis, March 18, 2018

2. The Heart and Soul of Lighthouses Marker

A duplicate marker, located on the opposite side of the building (the side not facing the lighthouse).

and other supplies. However, in 1875 part of it was converted into a two-room apartment for the assistant lighthouse keeper. In 1880 the structure was still being used as a living space for the assistant. Today this building has been changed once again, and now serves as a museum. It holds the original lens of the New Point Loma lighthouse as well as maps and more information about Point Loma and its history. (Submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Former Assistant Lightkeeper's building (<i>south elevation</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 7, 2015

3. Former Assistant Lightkeeper's building (south elevation)

(marker visible just right of entrance)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 291 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on February 16, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 3. submitted on October 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.