San Francisco's Alcatraz Island
Preview Tour and
Schedules...
Alcatraz Island - San
Francisco
Out in the middle of the San
Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. Isolation, one of the
constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, guard, prisoner, bird or plant - is
a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. The island offers a close-up look at
a historic and infamous federal prison. Visitors can explore the remnants of the prison,
and learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military
fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. These
structures and the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies,
and bay views beyond compare, are being preserved by the National Park Service. The
views from Alcatraz are incredible.
Alcatraz Prison Cells - Barren
The history of the island includes
military use as a fort, an army prison camp, a Native American peace community, and the
location of America's most dangerous criminals. The prison held Al Scarface Capone
and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. The island was featured in movies
including Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood and The Rock with Sean Connery.
For prisoners, the worst torture was how close, but unattainable, was life in San
Francisco. At night, prisoners could even hear parties and laughter across the
bay.
The island is also a wildlife
sanctuary with birds, and tide pools filled with crabs and sea-stars. Western gull
and black-crowned heron colonies are prevalent. Roses still grow by the old Warden's
house. Here
is what you will see on your visit to Alcatraz.
Sarah writes,
"Went to Alcatraz...kind of spiritual place not in a religious sense
but felt like people from the past were watching me....you listen to a walkman with
recordings from inmates and wardens as you walk round and I nearly had a complete anxiety
attack in the solitary confinement cell ...what a bastard of a place to spend a
decade or too.....too many good views of the city..so close yet so far away...went
on a guided walk and heard about the "great
escapes" which was kind of cool...."
Sunset Over Alcatraz near San
Francisco
