Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse

Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse: A Historic Beacon of the San Francisco Bay

Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located on Yerba Buena Island, a small island in the San Francisco Bay, California. The lighthouse has played a significant role in the maritime history of the West Coast and is a popular tourist destination today. It was built in 1875 and served as a beacon of light for mariners navigating the treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay.

The island's lighthouse connection began in 1873 when the Lighthouse Service moved the district's depot from Mare Island to the southeast side of Yerba Buena Island. The lighthouse was constructed in 1875, and it was equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens, which was brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon. The lighthouse's light was visible for up to 12 miles and was an essential aid to navigation for ships entering and leaving San Francisco Bay.

History

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse has a rich history dating back to the Gold Rush era. The island was originally named Sea Bird Island, but it was renamed Yerba Buena Island by early Spaniards in the area. In 1873, the Lighthouse Service moved the district's depot from Mare Island to Yerba Buena Island. The lighthouse was built in 1874 and was first lit on October 1, 1875, to serve passenger boats and ferries between Oakland and San Francisco.

Gold Rush Era

During the Gold Rush era, Yerba Buena Island was used as a goat pasture. The island was also home to a military installation, which was established in 1866 and was used to defend the San Francisco Bay. The lighthouse was an important navigational aid for ships traveling to and from San Francisco during this time.

World War II

During World War II, Yerba Buena Island was used as a naval base. The island was home to a number of military installations, including a submarine net depot, a mine depot, and a radar station. The lighthouse continued to operate during this time, serving as an important navigational aid for ships traveling to and from the San Francisco Bay.

Post War

After World War II, Yerba Buena Island was used as a housing development for military personnel. The lighthouse continued to operate, but it was eventually decommissioned in 1958. The island was transferred to the city of San Francisco in 1997 and is now home to a number of residential buildings and a park.

Overall, the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse has played an important role in the history of the San Francisco Bay. Its original purpose was to serve as a navigational aid for ships traveling to and from San Francisco, and it continued to do so throughout the Gold Rush era, World War II, and beyond.

Construction and Design

Lighthouse Design

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is an octagonal tower constructed of wood, standing at a height of 25 feet (7.6 m). The tower's unique design features Victorian-style architecture, with ornate details and a distinctive shape. Above the doorway, the tower displays the year of completion, 1875.

The lighthouse's lens is a fifth-order Fresnel lens, which was originally brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon. In 1886, the lens was replaced with another fifth-order lens. The lens is a critical component of the lighthouse, and it projects a beam of light that helps guide ships safely through the San Francisco Bay.

Construction Process

Construction of the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse began in 1873, when the Lighthouse Service moved the district's depot from Mare Island to the southeast side of Yerba Buena Island. The tower was constructed on a masonry foundation, which was designed to provide a stable base for the wooden structure.

The construction process involved assembling the wooden structure piece by piece, with careful attention paid to the tower's unique design features. Once the tower was complete, the Fresnel lens was installed, and the lighthouse was ready to begin operation.

Overall, the construction and design of the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse was a significant undertaking, requiring careful planning and attention to detail. Today, the lighthouse stands as a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the engineers and builders who constructed it over a century ago.

Location and Surroundings

Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is located on Yerba Buena Island, which is situated in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The island is a part of the City and County of San Francisco and is connected to the eastern span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. The lighthouse is located on the southeast side of the island.

San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Bay is a large, natural harbor that is surrounded by the San Francisco Bay Area. The bay is known for its iconic landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and the Bay Bridge. The bay is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including sea lions, harbor seals, and a variety of fish species.

Nearby Islands

Yerba Buena Island is located near several other islands in San Francisco Bay. Sea Bird Island, which was the original name of Yerba Buena Island, is located just to the north of the lighthouse. Treasure Island, which was created by filling in a portion of the bay, is located to the east of Yerba Buena Island. Alcatraz Island, which is famous for its former prison, is located to the northwest of the lighthouse.

The surrounding area of the lighthouse is mostly water, with the exception of the nearby islands and the Bay Bridge, which connects Yerba Buena Island to Oakland. The lighthouse provides a unique perspective of the bay and its surroundings and is a popular destination for visitors to the area.

Function and Role

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse has played a significant role in the history of San Francisco Bay Area since its establishment in 1875. This section will explore the function and role of the lighthouse, including its role as an aid to navigation and Coast Guard Station.

Aid to Navigation

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse was constructed to serve as an active aid to navigation in the San Francisco Bay Area. The lighthouse was strategically placed on the southeast side of Yerba Buena Island, which is located in the middle of the bay. Its purpose was to help guide ships safely through the treacherous waters of the bay.

The lighthouse was equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens, which was brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon. It was the first lighthouse in the United States to use this type of lens, which was known for its superior light-gathering capabilities.

Coast Guard Station

In addition to serving as an aid to navigation, the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse also played an important role as a Coast Guard Station. In 1939, the U.S. Coast Guard took over the operation of the lighthouse, and it remained in service until 1958.

During its time as a Coast Guard Station, the lighthouse was used to monitor shipping traffic in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was also used as a lookout station during World War II, and played a key role in the defense of the bay.

Overall, the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse played a critical role in the history of San Francisco Bay Area. Its function as an aid to navigation and Coast Guard Station helped ensure the safety and security of ships and sailors in the bay for over 80 years.

Notable Features

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse has several notable features that make it a unique and important part of San Francisco Bay's maritime history.

Fresnel Lens

The lighthouse is equipped with a fifth-order Fresnel lens, which was brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon. The Fresnel lens was invented by French physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel in the early 19th century and revolutionized lighthouse technology. The lens is made up of concentric rings of prisms that refract and focus the light into a powerful beam that can be seen for miles. The fifth-order lens used in the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is smaller than other lighthouse lenses, but still produces a bright light that is visible for up to 11 nautical miles.

Fog Signal

In addition to the Fresnel lens, the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse also had a fog signal that was used to warn ships of the island's presence during periods of low visibility. The original fog signal was a diaphone, a type of air horn that produced a distinctive "whoop" sound. The diaphone was later replaced by a more modern automated foghorn, but the original diaphone is still on display at the lighthouse.

The lighthouse also had a unique "watch room" that was used by the lighthouse keeper to monitor the fog signal and keep an eye out for ships in distress. The watch room is located above the lantern room and is accessible by a narrow staircase.

Overall, the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is an important part of San Francisco Bay's maritime history and is still in operation today, helping to guide ships safely through the busy waters of the bay.

Preservation and Heritage

National Register of Historic Places

Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. This designation recognizes the lighthouse's historical significance and ensures that it is preserved for future generations. The National Register of Historic Places is a program of the National Park Service that identifies, evaluates, and protects America's historic and cultural resources.

The lighthouse is also recognized as a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources. These designations provide additional protections and recognition for the lighthouse's historical significance.

Current Status

The lighthouse is currently owned by the United States Coast Guard and is an active aid to navigation. While the Coast Guard is responsible for maintaining the lighthouse's operational equipment, the lighthouse itself is in need of significant restoration work.

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse Preservation Committee, a non-profit organization, is working to raise funds for the restoration of the lighthouse. The committee is dedicated to preserving the lighthouse's historical significance and ensuring that it remains a public resource for future generations.

In addition to its historical significance, the lighthouse also provides stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. The lighthouse is open to the public on a limited basis, with tours offered by the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse Preservation Committee and the Coast Guard.

The lighthouse's fifth order Fresnel lens, which was brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon, is on display at the Treasure Island Museum. The lens is a testament to the lighthouse's rich history and is an important artifact of American maritime heritage.

Notable Personnel

Lighthouse Keepers

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse was manned by several notable lighthouse keepers during its operation. One of the first keepers was Reinhold Holzhuter, who served from 1875 to 1880. He was known for his strict adherence to the rules and regulations of the Lighthouse Service, and his dedication to maintaining the light and fog signal.

Another notable keeper was George B. Koons, who served from 1895 to 1900. Koons was responsible for overseeing the installation of a new fog signal and for the construction of a new keeper's dwelling. He was also known for his skill in maintaining the light and for his attention to detail.

John A. F. McFarland served as the keeper from 1900 to 1920. During his tenure, he oversaw several improvements to the station, including the installation of a new fog signal and the construction of a new boathouse. McFarland was also known for his dedication to the safety of mariners and for his willingness to go above and beyond his duties as a lighthouse keeper.

Coast Guard Admirals

Several Coast Guard admirals also served at the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse during its operation. One of the most notable was Henry Hall, who served as the commanding officer of the station from 1922 to 1924. Hall was later promoted to rear admiral and served as the commander of the Coast Guard's Pacific Area.

Another notable admiral was John M. Nilsson, who served as the commanding officer of the station from 1945 to 1946. Nilsson went on to serve as the commander of the Coast Guard's 13th District and was later promoted to vice admiral.

Richard A. Weiss served as the commanding officer of the station from 1961 to 1963. He went on to serve as the commander of the Coast Guard's 12th District and was later promoted to vice admiral.

Other notable admirals who served at the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse include Herbert H. Luff, John P. Kofod, Albert N. Speelman, Lemuel C. Miner, John J. Woyner, Wayne R. Piland, James C. Moore, and Fred Zimmermann.

References and External Links

The following is a list of references and external links that were used to compile this article on the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse:

References:

• The United States Coast Guard website provides a detailed history of the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse, including information on its construction and operation. [1]
• The National Park Service has a page on the Point Cabrillo Light Station website that provides information on the Yerba Buena Lighthouse and its history. [2]
• Lighthouse Friends is a website that provides information on lighthouses across the United States. Their page on the Yerba Buena Lighthouse includes historical information and photographs. [3]
• The Library of Congress has a collection of photographs and information on the Yerba Buena Lighthouse Buildings. [4]

External Links:

• The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is located on Yerba Buena Island in the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can view the lighthouse from various points on the island. [5]
• The San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park website provides information on the history of lighthouses in the San Francisco Bay Area, including the Yerba Buena Lighthouse. [6]

Overall, these references and external links provide a wealth of information on the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse and its history. Visitors to the San Francisco Bay Area can learn more about this historic landmark by visiting the island and exploring its many attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the history of the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse?

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse was first lit on October 1, 1875. The island has undergone several name changes over the years, originally known as Sea Bird Island, early Spaniards in the area called it "Yerba Buena," which translates to good herb. The lighthouse was constructed on the southeast side of the island, and in 1873, the Lighthouse Service moved the district's depot from Mare Island to Yerba Buena.

How tall is the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse?

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is a 25-foot tower with a fifth order Fresnel lens. The lens was brought from the recently decommissioned Yaquina Bay Light in Newport, Oregon.

What is the current status of the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse?

The Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse is still an active aid to navigation, maintained by the United States Coast Guard.

Are there any tours available to visit the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse?

There are currently no tours available to visit the Yerba Buena Island Lighthouse. However, visitors can view the lighthouse from the island or from a distance.

What is the significance of lighthouses in general?

Lighthouses have played a significant role in maritime history, serving as beacons of light for ships and boats navigating the waters. They have helped to prevent shipwrecks and save countless lives. Today, many lighthouses are still active and serve as important aids to navigation.

What other lighthouses are located near Yerba Buena Island?

There are several other lighthouses located near Yerba Buena Island, including the Point Bonita Lighthouse, the Farallon Island Lighthouse, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse. These lighthouses have also played important roles in maritime history and continue to serve as important navigational aids.