See more of our coverage of the General Services Administration’s 70th anniversary in our series, GSA @ 70: Mission Evolved
The federal government maintains thousands of properties around the country and sometimes needs to offload a few. This includes properties not on the mainland U.S., such as light houses from New England to the Caribbean, the Great Lakes and the Pacific Northwest.
The General Services Administration’s National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act Program works with states, local communities, nonprofits and individuals to convey these historic structures for the sake of preservation. Scroll through the gallery to see some lighthouses currently for sale, as well as the most recent property transfers through the program.
Status: Sold to local government in 2017 (deed execution pending as of Oct. 31, 2018)
Built in 1874, the Point Fermin Lighthouse was the first navigational light in the San Pedro Bay. It is a stick-style Victorian structure designed by Paul J. Pelz, and was staffed by Treasury Department employees, according to the Point Fermin Lighthouse Historic Site and Museum. It was a popular public gathering spot throughout its use until it was blacked out after the attack on Pearl Harbor, for fear of attracting enemy forces to the coastline. It was then used as a Navy lookout tower and signaling station for ships, then a residence for Los Angeles city park maintenance employees. The light was restored in 2002 and reopened to the public in 2003 under management of the city, according to the museum.