Alcatraz -- Warden's House

An impressive Mission Revival-style home, the "Warden's House" had 17 large rooms with windows that provided sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.  It was built in the 1920's, and it was originally the home of the military prison commander.

When Alcatraz became a federal penitentiary, James A. Johnston was the first of four wardens to occupy the house.  Ornamental gardens were planted in terraced areas, and a greenhouse attached to one side of the house was used to grow a variety of plants.  A trusted inmate served as both gardener and "houseboy" to the warden's family.

In 1970, fire ravaged the building, leaving the shell that can be seen today.  Plants now cover the building's foundation with color in the spring, and outside the walls, untended roses bloom and fade each season.

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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.