In a deed recorded in 1867, John D. and Mary West sold the United States a 47.3-acre (19.1 ha) tract of land.

The Light-House board determined that the offshore reef and islands at Cape Blanco were dangerous to maritime commerce; therefore, a lighthouse was authorized for construction.

Over the next three years, the lighthouse was constructed under the direction of Lt. Col. Robert Stockton Williamson.

Bricks were deemed cheaper if made onsite, so a brickmaker was located and a deal was struck with Rancher Patrick Hughes for access to the required materials.

Life was difficult on the cape, which experiences constant high winds during the spring and summer and severe storms in winter.