Trinidad Head Memorial Light, California - # - Lighthouse Guy Photo's & Gifts

Lighthouse Guy Photo's & Gifts

Along the redwood coast of northern California there is a high headland overlooking Trinidad Bay. Here a settlement was founded during the Gold Rush era which grew into a lumber center during the 1870’s. The Light House Board decided to establish a 25 foot tower with a 4th Order Fresnel lens in 1871 on the headland.

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The small tower at Trinidad Head served maritime commerce for many years. In 1942 after 71 years of using an oil lantern the lighthouse was electrified. A modern optic replaced the 4th Order Fresnel lens in 1947 and the light was automated. In addition a compressed air horn replaced a 4000 pound fog bell at this time.

The original Fresnel lens and fog bell from the Trinidad Head Light were donated to the Trinidad Civic Club to be displayed in a park overlooking the bay. Land for the park was donated by a local citizen.

In 1948 for $30,000 the Civic Club built an exact 25 foot concrete replica of the Trinidad Head Light at a site 170 feet above the Bay. They installed the 4th Order lens into the new lantern of the replica.

In the 1970’s the Civic Club added a memorial to the park to honor those lost at sea. The memorial has grown over the years and names inscribed in the retaining wall of the park. The fog bell has been automated to toll at noon each day in memory of those lost and buried at sea.

In 1998 new windows and a new steel dome were installed in the replica lighthouse lantern. The park is maintained by the Town of Trinidad and is open to the public 24 hours.

The small tower at Trinidad Head served maritime commerce for many years. In 1942 after 71 years of using an oil lantern the lighthouse was electrified. A modern optic replaced the 4th Order Fresnel lens in 1947 and the light was automated. In addition a compressed air horn replaced a 4000 pound fog bell at this time.