Alcatraz Island

candid America tips

 

Why
Alcatraz Island
is special

Alcatraz Island (nicknamed the Rock) is renowned for its decades of being a maximum-security prison for incorrigible inmates.

Alcatraz
tips & insights

Brief history
of Alcatraz Island

This travel wonder has four major historical periods.

1850-1934
Fortress (until 1907) and military brig.
1934-1963
Federal penitentiary.
1969-1971
Occupied by a small group of American Indians to protest government policy affecting Native-Americans.
1973-present
Run by the National Park System. Open to the public.

Prisoners

Celebrated "involuntary guests" at this penal complex in San Francisco Bay included Prohibition-era gangster Al Capone and the "Birdman of Alcatraz" Robert Shroud.

Escaping

Few jailbirds attempted to escape because of tight security, the distance to the mainland shoreline, and the frigid, strong, bay currents which could rapidly pull them out to the deep ocean. And, there was the rumor of man-eating sharks. Still, there were 14 attempts involving several dozen convicts. Most of them were caught, but some drowned or were shot. No one knows for sure what happened to several others. Officials think they drowned, some writers say they made it and settled elsewhere.

Official rules

Life could be tough for detainees. The official rules stated that they were entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention - and anything else was a privilege that one must earn by good behavior. This included recreational activities.

Psychological

And then there was the psychological distress of seeing the inviting lights of the city just two kilometers (1.2 miles) away. And, if the wind was accommodating, the sounds of people having a good time could be heard.

Visitors

More than a million tourists visit Alcatraz annually. Their sole means of transportation is a ferry, which departs from Fisherman's Wharf. Be aware that tickets can be sold out up to a week or more in advance in the summer, so book ahead.

Orientation

When you disembark, do not miss the short, informative orientation video. And buy the inexpensive, but informative self-guide tour booklet. I also recommend renting the audio tour. You hear the recorded voices of former guards and inmates recounting their firsthand experiences. It makes the cell block come to life as you explore it.

Clothing

Wear comfortable shoes (for long, sometimes uphill walks). And dress warmly (the cold, robust bay winds lower the chill factor).

Photo ops

A free tour bonus is the photogenic views of the city, bay and Golden Gate Bridge from the Rock.

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