Celebrating National Lighthouse Day: Angel's Gate

I thought it might be fun to show a little history of one of my favorite beacons:  Los Angeles Harbor Lighthouse, better known around here as Angel's Gate.

Briefly, it was constructed in 1913 and has greeted visitors to Los Angeles ever since. Being at the end of a 1.5 mile breakwater (chained off to the public), Angel's Gate has seen its share of weather and erosion, earthquakes and even collisions. Here are some glimpses of its stunning and beautiful life:

This is from a 1920 postcard that was undoubtedly hand-tinted. The lighthouse was only 7 years old at this point.

There are twelve steel columns supporting the cylindrical top. There are no other lighthouses like it, although I believe at one time a Texas lighthouse existed, built from a similar plan.

Angel's Gate cost $36,000.00 to build.



While this is a stunning photo, the signs of wear and rust are evident in this shot, supposedly taken during one of L.A. fire seasons. I am seeking the photographer of this great shot.  

Here is our beautiful beacon after completion of a recent $1.8 million refurbishment.

Did you know that most, if not all, of our coastal lighthouses were commandeered by the military during World War II? Darkened, and some painted camouflage.

Inquiring minds wonder:  What would it have been like to be inside Angel's Gate Lighthouse during a cold February, 1946 night, its light extinguished, no sound but the waves splashing against the rocks below... when suddenly the hum of Japanese fighter jets approached from the west...

If it sounds like the great beginning of a mystery novel, you are in luck: ANGEL'S GATE by Anne Carter is coming soon from Beacon Street Books!