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Battery Point Lighthouse in the far northern reaches of California has seen its fair share of excitement. Located on Battery Point Island in Crescent City, the light station was established in 1856, originally employing a Fourth Order Fresnel (French made) lens to magnify and reflect the light, thus warning sailors of the local rocks and small island. Many  said the lighthouse didn’t really help, and they waited till daylight to sail in the area. GPS technology allowed the bulk of California’s lighthouses along the coast to be decommissioned, though you can visit and tour this historical gem, which has an interesting history and even a ghost, some say.

The name: Battery Point and the lighthouse acquired their names from the 1855 ship, America, which burned in the Crescent City harbor. Several cannons used for firing rounds during 4th of July celebrations were salvaged from the shipwreck and were the inspiration for “Battery Point”.

Battered: One of the most memorable and horrifying encounters occurred as a result of the 9.2 Alaskan earthquake on March 27, 1964. The strongest earthquake ever recorded in the northern hemisphere struck Alaska near Prince William Sound, generating tsunami waves traveling at a speed of nearly 600 m.p.h. When these waves crested up to 20′ in Crescent Bay, the lighthouse keepers watched amazement. Clarence and Peggy Coons described the unforgettable experience: “It was like a violent explosion. A thunderous roar mingled with all the confusion. Everywhere we looked buildings, cars, lumber, and boats shifted around like crazy. The whole beachfront moved, changing before our very eyes. By this time, the fire had spread to the Texaco bulk tanks. They started exploding one after another, lighting up the sky. It was spectacular!” The waves swept over the island but the couple and lighthouse survived!

The life of a lightkeeper wasn’t always easy and the pay not usually great, so there was job turnover. Fortunately, this particular light station is located on an islet which is accessible to land during low tides.

Some claim that a playful ghost moves items around inside the lightkeeper’s house. The spirit is reported as playful, setting a rocking chair in motion and moving a caretaker’s bedroom slippers in the middle of the night.

The lighthouse is open Wednesday-Sunday, April through September. During the off-season, visitors can wander the grounds; (707) 464-3089,  call to confirm.