Ferndale in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Lenses
Humboldt County Fair
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2019
1. Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Lenses Marker
The 780 prisms and fresnel lenses in this replica of the original Cape Mendocino Light House were hand ground in France, shipped around Cape Horn and originally placed in operation at Cape Mendocino in 1868. The entire mechanical gear and prisms were moved to the Humboldt County Fairgrounds in 1948.
Dedicated after 102 years of faithful service, on August 1, 1970, by the Native Sons of the Golden West.
In Memory of James D. Phelan
Erected 1970 by Native Sons of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists.
Location. 40° 35.223′ N, 124° 15.892′ W. Marker is in Ferndale, California, in Humboldt County. Marker is on 5th Street near Van Ness Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1250 5th Street, Ferndale CA 95536, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First California Central Creamery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ferndale (approx. half a mile away); The Shaw House
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Also see . . . Cape Mendicino Light. In 2008, a Coast Guard inspection of the lens resulted in negotiations for the continued housing of the lens in Ferndale. The "Save Our Lens" group of local citizens raised $100,000 to dismantle and store the lens. By agreement with the Coast Guard in early September 2012, the lens was disassembled and put in temporary storage while the Ferndale Museum is remodeled to display it. (Submitted on September 13, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 10, 2019
2. Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Lenses Marker
Note: the Mendicino Lighthouse Lenses are no longer inside the replica lighthouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 525 times since then and 51 times this year. Last updated on December 27, 2021, by James King of San Miguel, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 13, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
