Near Big Sur in Monterey County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Point Sur Light Station
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
1. Point Sur Light Station Marker
Erected 1994 by State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with the Central Coast Lighthouse Keepers. (Marker Number 951.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Former U.S. Presidents: #17 Andrew Johnson, and the Lighthouses series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1849.
Location. 36° 18.349′ N, 121° 53.86′ W. Marker is near Big Sur, California, in Monterey County. It can be reached from Cabrillo Highway (California Route 1), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Big Sur CA 93920, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on Central Coast and specifically on the Coast 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 Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies
this page online
More about this marker. The Point Sur Light Station is approximately 20 miles south of Carmel and 5 miles north of Big Sur on the Cabrillo Highway. The Point Sur Light Station marker is at the base of Point Sur Rock. The lighthouse is closed to the public except for tour groups.
Also see . . . History Of Point Sur. Click on the "History" tab.
Throughout history, Point Sur has been a navigational hazard, to which many shipwrecked captains can attest. In the 1880s, lighthouses and lightships provided invaluable warnings to the many ships that traveled close to shore, especially during rough weather when protruding headlands could provide them with much-needed shelter. It took mariners 11 years of petitioning the U.S. Lighthouse Service Board before money was allocated for Point Sur in 1886. (Submitted on September 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
2. Point Sur Light Station Marker and National Register of Historic Places Plaque
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
3. Point Sur Light Station
The marker is at the base of Point Sur Rock, to the left of the parked cars.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
4. Point Sur Lighthouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
5. Point Sur Lighthouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
6. Lighthouse Stairs
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
7. Point Sur Lighthouse Light (modern)
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
8. The Big Sur Coast north of the Point Sur Lighthouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
9. View South of the Point Sur Lighthouse
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
10. Point Sur Light Station
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
11. Point Sur Light Station Water Tower
Today the tank conceals a microwave relay station.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
12. Assistant Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Three families lived here.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, September 4, 2013
13. Senior Lighthouse Keeper's Quarters
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 798 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on September 13, 2013, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
