Light Station History
Construction of Piedras Blancas Light Station began in April 1874. The lighthouse was first illuminated a mere 10 months later, on February 15, 1875. The lighthouse was originally 100 feet tall and housed a first order Fresnel lens. A fog signal building was constructed in 1905 and the first sound was produced in 1906. Life at the light station was challenging for the keepers and their families.
Earthquakes over the years caused damage to the lighthouse. An earthquake on the last day of 1948 resulted in the upper part of the lighthouse being declared structurally unsound. In 1949, the upper three levels were removed, reducing the height of the tower to about 70 feet. The Fresnel lens was loaned to the Cambria Lions Club under agreement with the USCG. It is on display next to the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street in Cambria.
Earthquakes over the years caused damage to the lighthouse. An earthquake on the last day of 1948 resulted in the upper part of the lighthouse being declared structurally unsound. In 1949, the upper three levels were removed, reducing the height of the tower to about 70 feet. The Fresnel lens was loaned to the Cambria Lions Club under agreement with the USCG. It is on display next to the Veterans Memorial Building on Main Street in Cambria.
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