On the slopes below and west of the site stood the quarters of Portuguese whalemen who launched through the surf in boats under oars and sail to harpoon passing gray whales, then towed them ashore where the blubber was stripped and tried out in large black iron try-pots to produce valuable whale oil for lamps and lubricants. Active from 1860 to 1885, the station began its decline with the advent of fossil oil; however, three of the original structures, the try-pots, and crumbling furnaces remained until about 1928.

Photo: Michael Kindig

Photo: Michael Kindig

Photo: Michael Kindig

Photo: Michael Kindig

Photo: Michael Kindig