Alcatraz -- Lighthouse

In 1852, the Gold Rush was a frenzy and ship traffic to San Francisco was steadily increasing.  Alcatraz island, squarely in line with passage through the Golden Gate, was a logical place for a lighthouse.  On June 1, 1854, the Alcatraz lighthouse began operations, and the Alcatraz light became the first one in operation on the Pacific Coast.

Over the years, the Alcatraz light was converted to from oil to kerosene and then to electricity.  In 1909, the original lighthouse was replaced with the 84-foot concrete lighthouse seen today.

The lighthouse keepers lived in a home at its base and climbed the tall tower to clean the lens and keep the oil lamps full.

In 1963, shortly after the federal prison closed, the lighthouse was automated, and the last of the lightkeepers left the Island.

The lightkeepers' quarters were destroyed by fire in 1970.  That was the only service interruption in the history of the Alcatraz lighthouse.  The light continues to shine today under the supervision of the United States Coast Guard.

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Click on each of the topics below to read about the history of Alcatraz:

Alcatraz the Early Years -- Alcatraz the Fort -- Alcatraz the Prison --
The Native American Occupation -- Natural Alcatraz -- Alcatraz the Tourist Attraction

Click on each of the headings below to read about each of the major areas at Alcatraz:

The Dock -- Guardhouse and Sally Port -- Post Exchange - Officers' Club -- Military Chapel --  Barracks - Apartments -- Warden's House -- Lighthouse -- Cellhouse -- The Gardens

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For tickets and tours, contact Alcatraz Media at www.alcatraz.us,
or call 866-268-8729 or 415-461-4608.