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This beautiful photograph of St. George Reef Lighthouse was taken in 2007 by the late George Crawford.
When the lighthouse was completed in 1892, it was considered the most expensive lighthouse built by the United States government. Located six miles off the coast of Crescent city, California its construction was considered an engineering feat. During its years as a manned station four lighthouse keepers lost their lives at the station.
After it was automated in 1975 the government abandoned the lighthouse and left it to the elements. In fact, when they left, they left just about everything behind, including food in the cupboards. However, they did remove the gigantic first order lens, which is now on display at the Del Norte County Museum in Crescent City, California.
In 1988 the St. George Reef Lighthouse Society was formed to save the lighthouse and they eventually gained ownership of the structure. Since then they have undertaken the monumental task of restoring the lighthouse. This is no easy task, since everything needs to be done via helicopter.
To learn more or to make a donation you can visit their web site at www.StGeorgeReefLighthouse.us or write to them at P.O. Box 577, Crescent City, CA 95531.
This story appeared in the
April 2010 edition of Lighthouse Digest Magazine. The print edition contains more stories than our internet edition, and each story generally contains more photographs - often many more - in the print edition. For subscription information about the print edition, click here.
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