San Luis Obispo Lighthouse
Oct. 15, 2019
San Luis Obispo Lighthouse, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California
San Luis Obispo Lighthouse, Avila Beach, San Luis Obispo County, California
Built in 1890.
SAN LUIS OBISPO (PORT HARFORD) LIGHT
Location: On Point San Luis, west side of the San Luis Obispo Bay, near Avila Beach
Station Established: 1890
Year Current Tower(s) First Lit: 1890
Operational: No
Automated: 1974
Deactivated: 1975
Foundation Materials: Masonry
Construction Materials: Wood frame
Tower Shape: Octagonal lantern on square tower
Markings/Pattern: White
Characteristic: Flashing white, 20s (3s fl)
Relationship to Other Structure: Attached
Original Lens: Fourth Order, Fresnel
Fog Signal: 10-inch steam whistle
Historical Information:
- The lighthouse at San Luis Obispo was completed in 1890 and is a 40-foot tower attached to a Victorian style dwelling. The area was originally known as Port Harford.
- The area was very difficult to access by land. Supplies were by brought in by steamer.
- The Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern beacon in 1969.
- The light was automated in 1974. In 1976 the lens was moved to the San Luis Obispo County Historical Society.
- Restoration is under way by the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers with the hope of opening as a museum
The above was researched and drafted by Melissa Buckler, a Chesapeake Chapter of the U.S. Light House Society volunteer.