Definition
Lime Point Light is a former navigational lighthouse that was situated at Lime Point, a rocky promontory on the northern side of the Golden Gate strait near San Francisco, California, United States.
Overview
The lighthouse was established in the early 20th century to aid vessels transiting the entrance to San Francisco Bay. It operated as a light station for several decades before being deactivated in the 1930s, shortly after the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, which provided its own illumination for navigation. The original structure no longer exists; any remaining foundations are part of the historic landscape of the Marin Headlands.
Etymology/Origin
The name “Lime Point” derives from the geological composition of the headland, which is characterized by limestone and other calcareous rock formations. The term “Light” follows the conventional naming practice for lighthouses, indicating the presence of a lighted beacon.
Characteristics
- Location: Lime Point, Marin County, California, United States; coordinates approximately 37°49′N 122°28′W.
- Year established: 1905 (according to United States Coast Guard records).
- Structure: The original station consisted of a small wooden or frame tower topped by a lantern room; later photographs show a skeletal steel tower.
- Light characteristic: The beacon displayed a fixed white light (later reports note a flashing pattern) with a nominal range of roughly 10 nautical miles.
- Automation and deactivation: The light was automated in the 1920s and officially discontinued in 1934, when the illumination of the Golden Gate Bridge rendered the lighthouse redundant.
- Current status: The lighthouse structure has been removed; the site is accessible as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, but no navigational aid remains.
Related Topics
- Golden Gate Bridge – The bridge’s construction and lighting system supplanted the need for Lime Point Light.
- San Francisco Bay navigational aids – Includes other historic lighthouses such as Alcatraz Island Light and Point Bonita Light.
- United States Coast Guard Light List – Official publication that recorded the operational details of Lime Point Light.
- Marin Headlands – The broader geographical area encompassing Lime Point, known for its military history and coastal landmarks.