This light occupies the converging point of two lines of approach for vessels from the China Sea which steer for the entrance of Manila Bay.

Vessels from Hong Kong and the ports of China to the northwest first sight the Capones Island light off the southwest coast of Zambales.

The lighthouse was located on the highest point of the island (later known as the Topside) with an effective height of 639 feet (195 m) above sea level or 42-ft high from the base of the light tower.

The roof of the base also doubles as rain collector for the cisterns next to the lighthouse, which provide water not for only the station but supplements the need of the island.

[6] The establishment of a lighthouse station on the island of Corregidor was recommended in the year 1835 during the administration of Governor Pascual Enrile y Alcedo.

The white light on the summit of Corregidor revolved once every ten or twenty seconds, and visible in clear weather from a distance of 20 miles.

[9][10] The year after, a small party was sent to this station to make more minor repairs to doors, windows, and drains, part of the appropriation from Acts 807 and 1049.

On December 8, 1941, the day the Japanese invaded the Philippines, the lighthouses on Corregidor, Caballo, and Monja Island were extinguished as agreed by the Navy and the Harbor Defense Commander.

[13] From December 16, Corregidor lighthouse was used by the Navy to facilitate the entrance of submarines carrying supplies and ammunition for the troops on the island as authorized by General Douglas MacArthur.

The lantern was replaced in the 1990s with a solar-powered light as part of the Maritime Safety Improvement Project by the Philippine Coast Guard.