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4 days ago · Alcatraz Island, also known as ‘The Rock,’ a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. From 1934 to 1963, a facility on the island served as a federal prison for some of the most dangerous civilian prisoners. Learn more about the history of Alcatraz Island here.
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Initially discovered by a Spanish explorer in 1775 (its name literally meant Isle of the Penguins originally), Alcatraz Island was first used by the US military in 1853, when it established a base there, transforming it into Fortress Alcatraz. This heavily fortified structure was completed in 1859. In the course of the American Civil War, the defen...
Ferries depart regularly from Pier 33: there are multiple tour options available. Bring your own earphones for the audio tour, and expect a visit to last at least hours (including the ferry to and from the mainland). It’s an eerie yet fascinating journey into the workings of this famous site, and exploring Alcatraz Island’s varied and often dark hi...
Alcatraz Island is accessible by ferry only: these depart regularly from Pier 33, on the Embarcadero. The tram stops a few hundred metre away (The Embarcadero & Greenwich St) and bus routes 27, 54 and 72 also stop very close by. There’s private parking close by – expect to pay handsomely for the privilege.
- Sarah Roller
Introduction. Alcatraz is an island in San Francisco Bay, in California. It occupies an area of 22 acres (9 hectares) and is about 1.5 miles (2 kilometers) offshore from San Francisco. It is also called The Rock. Exploration. The island was most likely first explored by Juan Manuel de Ayala of Spain in 1775.
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Aug 30, 2023 · Alcatraz has a many-layered history: Civil War fortress, military prison, federal prison, bird sanctuary, first lighthouse on the West Coast, and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement: These are just a few of the fascinating stories of the Rock.
This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.
For information about the park, visit the National Park Service website for Alcatraz Island: nps.gov/alca. Come to Alcatraz for a prison tour while enjoying the historical and cultural experiences unique to the San Francisco Bay. Located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's ...
History. Alcatraz was the supermax federal prison of its own time. It is famously known for its forbidding structure and its nickname of ‘the Rock’. Over the years, it housed approximately 1,545 of America’s most ruthless criminals. Alcatraz Island is located in the heart of San Francisco Bay. For thousands of years, it was a lonely island.
