In that year, President Andrew Johnson directed by Executive Order the Department of the Interior to investigate the logistics of placing a lighthouse at that location.

By specification, the 4th Order Fresnel lens would generate alternate red and white flashes of light every 30 seconds that would be visible 17 nautical miles (31 km) out to sea.

In 1969, the Fresnel lens was retired (it is currently on display at the Point SLO Lighthouse) and replaced by an automated electric light.

[4] In 1995, the Point San Luis Lighthouse Keepers non-profit corporation was created to manage that task.

Point San Luis runs weekly van tours, a docent led hike via the Pecho Coast Trail, hosts weddings, and has ongoing special events for the public.