The Official National Parks Site - Old Point Loma
By 1890, two cottages and the beginnings of an iron tower light were built. On March 23, 1891 the light was lit for the first time. A third order Fresnel lens was used in the tower. Old Point Loma was extingushed on the same day New Point Loma was lit.
Robert Isreal and his family moved from Old Point Loma to the new accomodations below. One year later, Isreal was replaced by George P. Brennan who lived there with his family until 1902. By 1912, Captain W.A. Beaman and Malcom Cady served as principal and assistant keepers.
The fog signal was installed in 1913 and by the 1920's the radio beacons were installed. 1926 the lighthouse was wired for electricity but it took an additional 7 years before the kerosene lamps were replaced by electric lights.
1939, the Coast Guard took over operation of the Light. Today the light is fully automated. The radio beacons, two-tonw diaphone fog signal and original Fresnel lens are maintained by the Coast Guard as aids to navigation. Coast Guard personnel live in the original dwellings and the site is off-limits to non-Coast Guard personnel. New Point Loma has greeted the sailors of the US Navy and others entering San Diego's protected harbor since the date it was first lit. It is a welcome sight to those returning home after long voyages to sea.
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