description Alcatraz Island Lighthouse Overview
The Alcatraz Island Lighthouse, constructed in 1851, was a manually operated Fresnel lens lighthouse guiding ships through treacherous currents and fog banks within the entrance to San Francisco Bay until its decommissioning in 1959.
help Alcatraz Island Lighthouse FAQ
Is the lighthouse seen on Alcatraz the original 1854 tower?
No. The original cottage-style lighthouse was replaced in 1909 by the present 95-foot concrete tower because the new prison cellhouse would have blocked the older light.
Why is Alcatraz Lighthouse historically important?
The original Alcatraz light began operating in 1854 and was the first lighthouse lit on the United States West Coast. It guided traffic through the Golden Gate before Alcatraz became famous as a federal penitentiary.
Can visitors enter Alcatraz Lighthouse?
The lighthouse interior is not normally open to the public. Visitors taking the ferry to Alcatraz Island can see the tower from the prison grounds and from several viewpoints around the island.
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