CABRILLO The Old Point Loma Lighthouse Symbol of the Pacific Coast's first Lighthouses

F. Ross Holland works in the Division of History of the National Park Service where he is Research Team Leader for the Colonial Period. He has previously served in historical positions at Shiloh National Military Park, Morristown National Historical Park, C & O Canal National Monument, and Cabrillo and Channel Islands National Monuments. He was editor of the Western Explorer, and from 1961 to 1964 served on the board of directors of the Conference of California Historical Societies. His primary areas of historical interest are maritime history and the Spanish Colonial period; his published writings have concentrated in those areas. He holds a Master of Arts degree in history from the University of Texas.

"The lighthouse and lightship appeal to the interest and better instinct of man because they are symbolic of never-easing watchfulness, of steadfast endurance in every exposure, of widespread helpfulness. The building and the keeping of the lights is a picturesque and humanitarian work of the nation." George R. Putnam