Construction of the lighthouse began early in 1854 and was completed in 1855. On 15 November 1855 the light was first lit. The lighthouse is located at the mouth of San Diego Bay. It was equipped with a Third-order Fresnel lens which had a diameter of 3.17 feet. This lens was originally intended for Humboldt Harbor. The 'Old' Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first eight lighthouses on the Pacific Coast. The height of the lens was 462-ft. above sea level and the light was visible at a distance of 28 miles. The source of the illumination was sperm oil, colza, lard oil or kerosene. Because the lens was often obscured by fog or low clouds the flame of the lighthouse was permanently extinguished on 23 March 1891. A new lighthouse began operation that year on the extremity of the point with the light only 88-ft. above the water. This picture was taken on 17 April 2009. Thank you for viewing and commenting, Sig...