Former Military Chapel

The Former Military Chapel on the island is housed in a white building with arched windows and Spanish Colonial Revival design elements. The rectangular space with simple furnishings was built to serve both military ceremonies and later inmates.

The chapel was built in the early 1900s as a religious space for military personnel stationed on the island. When the island later transformed into a federal prison, the building kept its purpose and provided spiritual space for inmates as well.

The chapel reflects the religious life that took place here, from military families to inmates seeking solace during their time in prison. Visitors can see how this space held meaning for people with very different circumstances.

The space is accessible to visitors exploring the prison grounds and lies within easy walking distance along the established path through the facility. The interior can be observed from various angles, so plan some time for your own exploration.

From the windows, visitors can see both the harbor and city skyline while also overlooking the prison yard. This dual view connects two very different eras of the island's story in a single glance.

Location: San Francisco

GPS coordinates: 37.82730,-122.42249

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:40