Military Disappearing Searchlight

Historic Military Searchlight roof

NPS Photo/M. O'Barr

Quick Facts

Location:

32°40.289’, 117°14.664’

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

On the right of the trail is a structure that was part of Point Loma’s World War II defense. This metal covering was designed to slide along the track and uncover the hidden searchlight, although it no longer functions. The searchlight was capable of illuminating incoming ships 8,000 yards away, or 4.5 miles. A group of Army soldiers were assigned to this location and were responsible for manning this searchlight.

Point Loma was initially set aside for military use in 1852 by President Millard Fillmore shortly after California became a state. By 1913, Cabrillo National Monument was established, although the land was still controlled by the military. During World War II Cabrillo National Monument was reinstated as a coastal defense fort. The military is still very present at the end of the peninsula and the park is bordered at all sides by military bases.

Did You Know?

• Although this physical search light was installed in the 1920s, there are two lights sharing the same number, #15. As a result, it appears that it is in two different places! Continually, the light search light in this structure has been replaced by search light #17, causing even more clerical confusion!

• The searchlight was made by General Electric, the same company that made thousands of washing machines, light bulbs, turbines, etc.

• The illumination was created by an electric arc that jumped between two carbon rods that looked like very large pencils.

Learn More
‘Understanding the Life of Point Loma’
The Illustrated Fort Rosecrans

Access
No wheelchair access