Lighthouses

Battery Point Lighthouse and Museum are located at the foot of A Street in Crescent City, California. This is an active lighthouse that serves as a private aid to navigation. The Lighthouse was first lit with oil lamps on December 10, 1856. The Lighthouse is also an active residence with lighthouse keeper. The Lighthouse and its museum are open to the public for tours including opportunities to look into the personal quarters of keepers and their families and the furniture and artifacts they have left behind since the 1850’s. Tours include a climb into the light tower. There are displays of many maritime artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle its history.

During over 150 years of history for this lighthouse, many keepers and their families have tended its light. It began as the Crescent City Light Station. Until 1936, the U.S. Lighthouse Service was in charge of the light station. Then, the U.S. Coast Guard took over its operation and maintenance. In 1953, the Lighthouse was automated. During the Tsunami tidal waves of 1964, the resident keepers provided a terrifying eyewitness account of the destruction caused to Crescent City, even feeling threatened themselves by the largest wave. The Coast Guard continued to maintain the Fifth Order Drumm Lens with 20,000 candlepower operated by electricity in the tower until 1965 when it was decommissioned. The light was reactivated as a private aid to navigation in 1982.

 Great stories about the Lighthouse and Native American legends about the Island have been crafted over time. A resident ghost is even said to haunt the residence. Photographers and artists have captured the beauty of the Lighthouse thousands of times making it one of the most vivid images in all of Del Norte County. The scenic beauty has made Battery Point Lighthouse the subject of film companies for movies, television programs, commercials and music videos. Many weddings have taken place on the island.

Visits to the Battery Point Lighthouse and Island are only possible at low tides. Extreme care and caution should be used when crossing the two hundred feet between the mainland and island anytime wave action may cover the crossing area. Sneaker waves at any time can threaten visitors standing on or near the rocks and the shore of Battery Point Island. There are currently no public restroom facilities available on Battery Point Island. Care by visitors should be taken to protect all natural wildlife and plant life on the Island.

The Lighthouse is open April through September, tides permitting, between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, every day. October through March, tides permitting, the lighthouse is open 10 AM to 4 PM on weekends. The Lighthouse, Museum and Battery Point Island’s care are entrusted to the Del Norte County Historical Society. Admission is free to Society Members.