Fortress Alcatraz: Artillery at the Gate

Discover Alcatraz’s artillery past: cannon placements, fields of fire, and the island’s role as a bay choke point.

2/3/2025

11 min read

Alcatraz began as a shield for the bay.

Telegraph Hill View with Cannon

Battery Concept	Purpose
Overlapping fire	Deny enemy ships a safe approach
Elevated positions	Extend range and visibility
Cross-bay triangulation	Coordinate with shore batteries

The island’s geometry and elevation made it a natural gun platform.

I wrote this guide to make your Alcatraz day easy, informative, and memorable — with honest tips gathered from repeat visits.