Carol O'Neil

Point Sur, CA Carol O'Neil

Point Sur Lightstation was carved out of solid volcanic rock more than a century ago. When the light was turned on in 1889, no towns or roads were nearby to support the four families that lived atop the giant "moro" rock located just offshore in Big Sur, California. These vintage images tell the story of Pt. Sur Lightstation with its state-of-the-art lighthouse and fog signal system, and the lightkeepers and their families who kept it operating until 1974. The remote location and treacherous coast were constant adversaries. Today, Pt. Sur's lighthouse is automated. The vacant lightstation buildings are a ghost town that reminds us of our proud maritime heritage and the hearty souls who helped light the way.