This is actually the second tower that overlooked the dock area. When the first tower was built, it was attached to building 64, the large, imposing building one first encounters when landing on Alcatraz. In 1940 or 41, the walkway was removed and a spiral staircase, one that had previously been located in the old cell blocks, was installed. The tower was heavily armed and monitored all the comings and goings from the penitentiary. Now it's the place of choice for gulls to watch what comes and goes at the island.
