Alcatraz Island Light, San Francisco

Alcatraz Island Light stands as a historic beacon in San Francisco, United States, marking the notorious Alcatraz Island, once home to the infamous federal prison. Erected in 1909, this lighthouse is not only one of the key navigational aids in San Francisco Bay but also a significant monument to the maritime heritage of the area.

The lighthouse, with its characteristic white tower and contrasting black lantern, reaches a height of approximately 84 feet, providing a crucial point of reference for vessels navigating the treacherous waters. It was the first lighthouse built on the U.S. West Coast and has withstood the test of time, surviving the great earthquake of 1906 before being rebuilt in its current form.

As the island transitioned from a military fortress and prison to a national recreation area, the Alcatraz Island Light has remained a constant fixture, automated since 1963. It continues to operate, casting its beam across the bay, guiding mariners safely past the rocky outcrop.

While the lighthouse itself is not open for public tours, visitors to Alcatraz Island can view the structure from the outside and appreciate its historical significance. The lighthouse is part of the Alcatraz tour experience, which provides insights into the island's storied past, including its time as a federal penitentiary housing some of the country's most notorious criminals.