New Point Loma Lighthouse

It was first lighted on March 23, 1891, replacing the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which is atop the {{convert|400|ft}} cliffs of Point Loma; the old lighthouse was often obscured by fog. The new light is only {{convert|88|ft}} above the water. The first lighthouse keeper was Robert Decatur Israel, who had been keeper at the old lighthouse for 18 years.{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/cabr/historyculture/old-point-loma-lighthouse.htm|title=Life at the Lighthouse - Family Memories|work=Cabrillo National Monument|publisher=National Park Service|accessdate=29 March 2013}}

The original light was 600,000 candlepower and could be seen at a distance of approximately 15 nautical miles. There was also a two-tone diaphone fog horn and living quarters for several families.

The structure is the only pyramidal skeletal lighthouse remaining on the West Coast. It is very similar to Coney Island Light, Plum Island Range Rear Light, La Pointe Light, and Duluth South Breakwater Inner Light, all of which were built at about the same time. The latter three of these are all on the National Register of Historic Places.

The light was automated in 1973. In February 2013, the light that had been in use since 1999 was replaced with a VLB-44. The LED apparatus reduces the maintenance cost of the lighthouse and is brighter than the previous light.{{cite news |title=Changing of the bulb: Point Loma lighthouse goes green |author=Jeanette Steele |url=http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/06/point-loma-lighthouse-led/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412024049/http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/feb/06/point-loma-lighthouse-led/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 April 2013 |newspaper=San Diego Union Tribune |date=6 February 2013 |accessdate=31 March 2013 }}

File:USCGpointlomaNew.JPG|Undated USCG photo

File:USCGpointloma1.jpg|Undated USCG photo

The living quarters at the New Point Loma Lighthouse were featured in the 1986 movie Top Gun as Viper's home (played by actor Tom Skerritt)

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• List of lighthouses in the United States

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{{Commons category|position=left|Point Loma Light}}

{{Lighthouses of California}}

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Category:Lighthouses in California

Category:Point Loma, San Diego

Category:Landmarks in San Diego

Category:Lighthouses completed in 1891

Category:1891 establishments in California

Category:Transportation buildings and structures in San Diego

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