Here stands the Los Angeles Harbor Light, a beacon of hope. It is also known as Angels Gate Light. This lighthouse marks the entrance to Los Angeles Harbor. It has stood through war and peace, even surviving a tidal wave.
Imagine the original plans. They called for a wooden, square, two-story building. But those plans changed. The Los Angeles Light was anchored to a concrete block. It became the only lighthouse ever built to this design.
Now look at its design. The lighthouse is made of steel-reinforced concrete. Its white tower features black stripes for visibility. This was added because the original white paint made it hard to see in fog.
The Los Angeles Harbor Light has a fascinating history. It was constructed in 1913. The tower rises 69 feet. The light’s focal height is 73 feet.
The myths surrounding the Light are interesting. The tower’s tilt is not from a battleship collision. Subsidence, earthquakes, and windstorms caused it.
Many lighthouse keepers served here. Automation in the early 1970s changed that. Now, the light is maintained from Terminal Island.
In the 1980s, the Coast Guard converted the lighthouse to solar power. The original Fresnel lens was retired. Today, it is on loan to the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
Though inaccessible to the public, the Light can be viewed from Cabrillo Beach. You can also see it from San Pedro Breakwater or by boat. Its green flash welcomes mariners and boaters.
Years of exposure took their toll. Walls rusted. Windows broke. Masonry cracked. Storms caused leaks. In 2012, a $1.8 million overhaul restored the exterior. The Port of Los Angeles funded it. A $1.2 million interior overhaul is planned.
The Los Angeles Harbor Light is more than just a structure. It is a symbol. Its emerald-colored light is rare. The Angels Gate Light is a testament to history. It shows resilience. It stands as a guide for all who enter Los Angeles Harbor.