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

Warden’s House and Lighthouse

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado

1. Warden’s House and Lighthouse Marker

Inscription. The Warden’s house commanded the summit of the island. An impressive Mission Revival-style home, it had seventeen large rooms with sweeping views of the Golden Gate and San Francisco. Built in 1921, it was originally the residence of the military prison commandant. After the island became a federal penitentiary in 1934, it became home to Alcatraz’s four wardens.

The lighthouse was originally built in 1854 to guide gold rush shipping into San Francisco Bay. The present concrete tower was erected in 1909. Lighthouse keepers and their families once lived in homes at the tower’s base.

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[#10-Warden’s House & Lighthouse]

(Marker Number 10.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 37° 48.389′ N, 122° 24.262′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in North Waterfront. Marker can be reached from The Embarcadero south of Bay Street, on the right when traveling

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north. The resin marker is mounted to a 3-D topographical map of Alcatraz Island. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Pier 33, San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Staff Housing Area (here, next to this marker); Main Prison Building (here, next to this marker); Barracks/Apartments (here, next to this marker); Guardhouse & Sallyport Complex (here, next to this marker); The Post Exchange & Officers' Club (here, next to this marker); The Dock (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Dock (here, next to this marker); Military Schoolhouse (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.

More about this marker. There is a small braille plaque on the lower left corner of the marker.
Inset Images:
The second Alcatraz lighthouse and warden’s house, 1954.
Warden Edwin Swope and wife Edna at home for Christmas, circa 1950.
The warden’s house was the largest residence on the island. Circa 1930.
The original Alcatraz lighthouse. Note the cannonballs. 1890.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Warden's House and Lighthouse Keepers

Also see . . .
1. Lighthouse History. The Alcatraz Lighthouse Preservation

Main Prison Building Marker and Topographical Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, June 15, 2023

2. Main Prison Building Marker and Topographical Map

Marker on the right-center.

Project

"The Alcatraz Lighthouse has been, and continues to be, an active aid to navigation. It is a steadfast beacon overseeing and directing San Francisco Bay Area maritime traffic since the Gold Rush. Alcatraz Island is the site of the first lighthouse on the West Coast (1854)."

(Submitted on July 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

2. Alcatraz Lighthouse. National Park Service

"The cottage-style lighthouse building was replaced by the taller 95 foot structure in 1909 because it was no longer tall enough to shine over the new cellhouse."

(Submitted on July 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of the lighthouse and ruins of the warden's house. • Can you help?