 In over 50 years, the lighthouse has not been seriously damaged despite many prison escapes, the Battle of Alcatraz and fires.The first lighthouse was in height, and was based on a design that was typical of early "Cape Cod style" lighthouses, in which the light tower was an integral part of the keeper's house, and was centered atop the dwelling's roof.Construction of the foundation started in 1852, and the one-and-a-half-storied keeper's house and light were completed in 1853.