Alcatraz Island

Type:
Year Established:
1854
Existing:
Yes
Source:
LL-1901
Alcatraz
Download:
Alcatraz CA.jpeg (331.77 KB)
File Type:
jpeg (image/jpeg)
Photo Courtesy of:
U.S. Lighthouse Society
Collection / Donor:

LOCATION

Location:
ALCATRAZ ISLAND/SAN FRANCISCO BAY
Latitude:
37° 49'29"
Longitude:
122° 25'21"
City / Town:
SAN FRANCISCO
U.S. State:
California
Location County:
SAN FRANCISCO
Country:
United States

OWNER & ACCESS

Owner / Manager:
USCG / NPS
Open to Public:
Yes
Light List Data:
  1. Alcatraz Island
Light list data courtesy Gary Riemenschneider

STRUCTURE

Year Tower Established:
1909
Tower Construction Material:
REINFORCED CONCRETE
Tower Foundation:
MASONRY
Height of light above mean high water, in feet:
214
Height, in feet, from base of structure to center of lantern:
84
Tower Shape:
OCTAGONAL PYRAMIDAL
Fog Signal Building?:
No
Fog Signal Bldg Construction Materials:
WOOD FRAME
Keeper's Quarters?:
No
Other Structures:
STORAGE BUILDING (1909) IN THE BASEMENT OF KEEPERS QUARTERS

OPTICS

Active Aid to Navigation?:
Yes
Current Optic:
DCB-24
Original Optic Type:
THIRD ORDER, FRESNEL
Year Original Lens Installed:
1854
Private Aid:
No
USCG Access to Optics:
Yes
Comments:

Historical Information:

  • The name of this lighthouse is derived from "alcatraces" the Spanish word for pelican. However, this island is best known as the home of Al Capone and other notorious criminals. A federal penitentiary is also on the island. This light is the oldest major navigational light on the West Coast. For over 50 years, the lighthouse survived prison breakouts, riots and burning.
  • 1906: The great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 severely damaged the original lighthouse.
  • 1909: Original tower replaced.
  • 1963: The light was automated in 1963.
  • 2000: The lighthouse is now a museum and can be toured.
Entered by:
t.wheeler
Entered Date:
Jul 20, 2017