Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island originally served as a lighthouse -- the first lighthouse and U.S. fort on the west coast. The rebuilt lighthouse (1909) stands 84'. It was also a military fortification, military prison and a federal prison where infamous criminals such as Al Capone served their time. ... Also for 18 months (Nov. 20, 1969 through Jun 11, 1971), the island was occupied by Indians of All Tribes during "We Hold the Rock."












