Point Vicente California
Harbour Lights #365

Built in 1926, this historic Light is situated on 8 acres on the southwest tip of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. In 1793, Captain George Vancouver named the point in honor of his friend Friar Vicente of the Mission San Buenaventura.

Built long after the days of oil lamps and weight driven clock works, a 500 watt lamp was the source of power for a Third Order Fresnel lens that had been taken from an Alaskan Lighthouse, after more than forty years of service.

During World War II the light was dimmed to avoid enemy attack. When the light was returned to service, in an effort to answer the complaints of neighbors bothered by the bright flashing light, the landward side of the lantern room was painted an opaque, nearly white. With the painting of the lantern room, the lore of Point Vicente’s “Lady of the Light” was born! Lore has it the “Lady of the Light” was the spirit of a woman, who leapt into the sea, her lover lost in a shipwreck off the point. In 1955, a thicker coat of paint ended “Lady’s” nightly appearance.

Automated in 1971, the property is home to members of the United States Coast Guard and their families. Once a month, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary opens the tower to visitors.

The original Third Order Fresnel lens, powered by a 1,000 watt bulb, continues to revolve, producing two white flashes every twenty seconds. The light, with a focal plane of 185’ can be seen up to twenty miles at sea.