Old Point Loma Lighthouse

In the 1981 Point Loma Historic Structures Report, park Historian Ross Holland described the activity: "From the historic record and the building itself, the architects learned a great deal and they began to restore the building to what they thought was its original condition. Rotten wood was replaced, the lean-to was rebuilt, the flooring was renewed throughout, and the metal lantern crowning the tower was reconstructed. Certain modern concessions were made because of the intended use of the building. Electric fixtures were installed, as was plumbing."

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.