Detailed Alcatraz Virtual Tour of the Island and Prison
Alcatraz was vital to California's history. The island near San Francisco was a fortress, a military prison, and a federal
prison... and today a National Park.
We've listed below the highlights of Alcatraz island's remaining buildings, in the order you are likely to see them during your visit to
Alcatraz.
"You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege." Rule #5, Alcatraz
Prison Rules and Regulations - 1934
The barracks were first used to support the wharf. The building was meant for both cannons and soldiers, but the guns were obselete before the building
was completed. Apartments were built on top of the fortified barracks. The armored areas meant for yesterday's cannons are used today to house exhibits, a
theater, and a bookstore.
Guardhouse / Sally Port
During the 1860's, Alcatraz was the most fortified military area on the west coast. A Sally Port is an armored gate. Alcatraz's Sally Port (1857) is the
oldest building left on the island. Formerly, a drawbridge joined the sides of a dry moat so that access could be blocked. The entry way was well guarded
with soldiers for anyone making it past the armored gate. The gun rooms were used for prison cells during the Civil War to house captured Confederate
agents.
Post Exchange (Ruins)
From around 1850-1930, the island was occupied by soldiers and their families. The Post Exchange sold food and goods and included a bowling alley and
gym. Prior to a consuming fire in 1970, the Exchange was used as a club / recreation hall for the prison guards.
On top of the guardhouse, a Mission-style chapel was built during the 1920's. The chapel was used as living quarters, school, and sometimes as a chapel.
During the post 1930's prison phase, the building housed prison staff.
The warden's house had incredible panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. From its construction in 1929 until the house burned down in 1970, the
warden's house's wonderful windows looked out to freedom.
Officer's Quarters (Ruins)
Three of the homes for officers -- Victorian cottages -- were surrounded by beautiful flowers. The foundation ruins of these cottages still stand today.
Lighthouse
Alcatraz was the FIRST lighthouse on the Pacific Coast -- built in 1854. The base of the lighthouse housed the lightkeepers. Their jobs were to fuel
the lamp and keep it clean (now electric and automated). The lighthouse was replaced in 1909, to tower above the new cellblock (84 feet in total).
Power Plant / Bakery
The island's self-contained power plant was located next to the bakery...
Water Tower
The island stored large quantities of purified water...
Sarah writes, "Went to Alcatraz...kind of spiritual place not in a religious sense but felt like people from the past were
watching me....you listen to a walkman with recordings from inmates and wardens as you walk round and I nearly had a complete anxiety attack in the solitary
confinement cell ...what a bastard of a place to spend a decade or too.....too many good views of the city..so close yet so far away...went on a guided walk
and heard about the "great escapes" which was kind of cool...."
