Old Point Loma

The 1850s were a period of flux for the nation's aid to navigation systems. During the 1850s, the Lighthouse Board replaced the inept 5th Auditor of the Treasury and brought about a change of rules and regulations. Keepers of light stations now had to be able to read and write, something which wasn't required under the old regime. The new board also modernized the system of aids to navigation in this country. One of the most important changes was the introduction of the Fresnel lens which had been invented in 1822 and installed in most maritime country's light stations.