Learn historical facts and enjoy entertaining stories about lighthouses along the coasts of Washington, Oregon, California, Hawaii, Alaska, and British Columbia. Black-and-white and color photos enhance the detailed text to present a comprehensive, one-of-a-kind look at these maritime structures, including technological breakthroughs and even ghostly hauntings. This detailed narrative takes readers back to the first Pacific Coast lighthouses of the mid-19th century and shows their development through the years as the US endeavored to light the capes and outcrops of the region. Discover the fabulous Fresnel prismatic lenses that were at first illuminated by burning oil and follow their evolution through more modern times. Along the way, you'll learn about ghosts, apparitions, and unsolved mysteries connected with these life-saving beacons. The dramatic, detailed narrative provides armchair adventure for history buffs and those with a special affinity for the sea.