Author JoAnn Semones is a local maritime historian and a passionate supporter of Pigeon Point Light Station. Her original series of books, published by The Glencannon Press, is sadly out of print. However, her most recent volume, Pigeon Point Lighthouse: Gold Rush to Restoration, has been published by The History Press.
What do the Carrier Pigeon, the Sir John Franklin, the Coya, and the Point Arena have in common? They are all ships that wrecked at or near the promontory now known as Pigeon Point. Long before and even after the lighthouse was built, the rocky shoreline, powerful currents, fog, and strong winds cost many lives and ships.
The book has three distinct sections. The first, “Gold Rush and Shipwrecks,” covers two intertwined subjects, since more immigrants arrived in California by sea than by land. JoAnn details the types of ships, where they were built, their captains, their cargo, and their passengers.
The middle section, “Keepers’ Stories,” begins with the building of the lighthouse at Pigeon Point. JoAnn brings history to life with stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families. Over the years, she has met with many descendants of Pigeon Point’s keepers and recorded their family histories.
The final section, “Preserving the Legacy,” documents the transfer from federal property to state park, the protection of the lens while it was displayed for all to see during the 25 years the tower has been closed, and the restoration of the tower. JoAnn also describes how the museums were created in the Fog Signal Building and the Fuel Bunker. And of course, new legends now weave through the history of Pigeon Point and Pescadero, directly connected to people living here today.
JoAnn’s books are available in the Pigeon Point store. Pigeon Point Lighthouse: Gold Rush to Restoration is also available by direct mail: order here.
JoAnn will be at Pigeon Point for the anniversary event on November 14, 2026, where she will sign three of her books published by The History Press:
- True Tales of California Coastside State Parks
- Historic Shipwrecks of Coastside California
- Pigeon Point Lighthouse: Gold Rush to Restoration
– Janet Oulton, Coastside State Parks Association Board Treasurer
