Pigeon Point Lighthouse, first lit in 1872, is one of the oldest and most treasured landmarks on the California coast. Its first-order Fresnel lens, the most powerful lens of its day, warned passing ships of the dangerous reefs along the San Mateo coast. After long exposure to wind, rain, sun, fog, and salty sea mist, the tower is literally crumbling. Closed to the public since part of its iron belt course broke off in 2001, it may not stand for years ahead without immediate action. California State Parks acquired title to the Pigeon Point Light Station from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2011, and the California State Parks Foundation is leading a major fundraising campaign to restore the lighthouse to its original glory and reopen it to the public.
