Once a military base and military prison, the buildings on Alcatraz Island became a federal prison in 1934. It fast became one of the most notorious penitentiaries in America, closing in 1963 when it was too costly to maintain.
It is but a short ferry ride from Pier 33 in San Francisco to the island, now overseen by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Since it is a federal property, no alcohol or controlled substances are permitted on the island, nor are they allowed to be consumed by anyone entering the island park. However, one can preorder their drinks for the return ferry ride from Alcatraz.
After a quarter mile hike up a 130 foot incline, equivalent to a 13 story climb, lies the cell house where the self guided tour begins. However, should you have mobility issues there is a means to avoid the steep hike.
The cell house offers a self guided tour of the cells, the dining hall, and more, recounting the stories of past guards and prisoners direct from their own mouths. Despite its notoriety, Alcatraz was home to mostly unknown criminals who refused to follow the rules in other prisons. Believe it or not, no judge could sentence a convict to Alcatraz, they could only be assigned there as a result of their conduct. Furthermore, when prisoners began to exhibit appropriate prison behaviours, they were transferred from Alcatraz back to a lower security prison.
Over the years, there were multiple escape attempts, though most prisoners were caught. Six were killed, two drowned and five disappeared, believed to have drowned in the icy cold, choppy waters of San Francisco Bay.
The tour of the buildings includes the Red Power exhibit in the utilities building where from 1969-1971 the island was occupied by “Indians of all tribes.”
Although the park recommends visiting Alcatraz in the early months of the year to avoid large crowds, I would recommend dressing warmly, as the prison is not stranger to the cool breezes that whip through the buildings making one thankful to have not been incarcerated behind its bars.
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