Alcatraz Island in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Warden's House

Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 1, 2022

1. Warden's House Marker

Inscription. Alcatraz's executive mansion

For many years, Alcatraz's most powerful resident lived in a Victorian cottage on Officers' Row. That changed in 1921 when this 15-room mansion was completed. Built on the island's summit to command respect, this was the official residence of the military prison's commandant until Alcatraz opened as a federal penitentiary in 1934.

From 1934 to 1963, each of the penitentiary's four wardens lived here, just steps from his private entrance to the cellhouse.

Erected by National Parks Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 37° 49.575′ N, 122° 25.318′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is on Alcatraz Island. It can be reached from no nearby street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American

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Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Persian Carpet (within shouting distance of this marker); Indian Occupation 1969-1971 (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Gulls (within shouting distance of this marker); Alcatraz Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lower Military Prison (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Escape Attempt (about 500 feet away); The Morgue (about 600 feet away); Not Just a Water Tower (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. The marker is on Alcatraz Island, on the upper reaches, just a few steps from the lighthouse.

Also see . . . Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary (Wikipedia).

"The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary or United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island (often referred
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, February 1, 2022

2. Warden's House and Marker
to as Alcatraz or The Rock) was a maximum security federal prison on Alcatraz Island, 1.25 miles (2.01 km) off the coast of San Francisco, California, United States, the site of a fort since the 1850s; the main prison building was built in 1910–1912 as a United States Army military prison."

(Submitted on February 11, 2022.)

Alcatraz Island image. Click for full size.

courtesy of the California State Library, circa 1930

3. Alcatraz Island

The warden's house is visible here as the building at the top of the hill, in front of the lighthouse.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 11, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 929 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 11, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.