The island served as a military fortification in the 1850s and an incarceration facility for war prisoners during the Spanish-American War.
In 1934 Alcatraz became the infamous maximum-security prison for Mafia criminals and high-risk convicts. Famous island residents have included "Machine Gun" Kelly, Al Capone and Robert "Birdman" Stroud.
Although the island is only a mile from shore, there is no evidence of any successful escapes across the icy bay. The prison was the only one in the federal system that touted hot showers - a luxury designed to keep prisoners from acclimating to cold water.
A federal penitentiary until 1963, "The Rock" is now a popular tourist attraction. The 12-acre island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is accessible only by the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry which departs daily from Pier 41 at Fisherman's Wharf.
From 1969 to 1971, a group of American Indians seized the island as a protest against the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Mush of the facility was destroyed during this period, but the main block, mess hall and lighthouse remain intact.
Note: During peak travel times, reservations must be made well in advance. Advance tickets may be charged to a credit card by phone, (415) 705-5555. |
