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Point Pinos Lighthouse

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description Point Pinos Lighthouse Overview

Point Pinos Lighthouse, located on Monterey Bay in California, is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse built by the U.S. Government, standing as a vital navigational aid since its completion in 1860.

help Point Pinos Lighthouse FAQ

When did Point Pinos Lighthouse begin operating?

Point Pinos was first lit in 1855, several years earlier than the supplied 1860 date. It remains an active Coast Guard aid to navigation in Pacific Grove, California.

Can visitors go inside Point Pinos Lighthouse?

Yes, the City of Pacific Grove and local volunteers open the historic building to visitors on scheduled days. The keeper's dwelling contains exhibits, while the operational light remains under Coast Guard authority.

Is Point Pinos the oldest lighthouse on the West Coast?

Alcatraz had the first West Coast light, lit in 1854, but its original tower was replaced. Point Pinos is widely recognized as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast still housed in its original building.

What kind of lighthouse is Point Pinos?

Unlike a tall standalone tower, Point Pinos has a short light tower rising through the roof of a Cape Cod-style keeper's house. Its original third-order Fresnel lens remains associated with the active light.

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