About Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, also known as “The Rock”, is a small island located in the San Francisco Bay. It has a rich history that dates back to the early days of California’s statehood.

In the 1850s, the island was used as a military fort to protect the San Francisco Bay area. In 1933, it was converted into a federal prison, and it remained in operation until 1963. During this time, it held some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone and Robert Franklin Stroud (better known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz”).

The island was also the site of a Native American occupation in the 1960s, when a group of Native Americans, led by a man named Richard Oakes, seized the abandoned prison buildings and demanded that the island be turned over to them as part of a broader movement for Native American rights. After a 19-month standoff, the occupiers were forcibly removed by the government.

Today, Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. Visitors can take tours of the former prison, learn about its history, and see the cell where Al Capone was once held.

Alcatraz Island has had a fascinating history, and it continues to be a fascinating and important part of American culture.

Getting There

Famous Inmates of Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island was home to some of the most famous and notorious prisoners in American history. Some of the most famous prisoners who were incarcerated on the island include:

• Al Capone: One of the most infamous gangsters in American history, Capone was known for his ruthless tactics and illegal activities in the city of Chicago. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison for tax evasion and was sent to Alcatraz in 1934.
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly: Kelly was a notorious bank robber and kidnapper who was known for his use of the Thompson sub-machine gun. He was sentenced to life in prison and was sent to Alcatraz in 1933.
• Robert Stroud: Better known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” Stroud was a convicted murderer who became famous for his work with birds while he was incarcerated on the island. He was sentenced to life in prison in 1909 and was sent to Alcatraz in 1942.
• Bumpy Johnson: Johnson was a notorious gangster and organized crime boss who was known for his control of the Harlem underworld. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for narcotics trafficking and was sent to Alcatraz in 1946.

These are just a few examples of the many famous prisoners who were held on Alcatraz Island. Many of these prisoners were known for their criminal activities and their notoriety only grew while they were incarcerated on the island.

Our Visit to Alcatraz

It was a beautiful day as we parked our car in the parking garage near San Francisco Pier 33. We were excited to visit Alcatraz Island, the infamous former prison located in the San Francisco Bay.

As we walked to the pier, we could see the island in the distance. It was a short ferry ride from the pier to the island and we enjoyed the fresh sea air and the views of the bay as we made our way across the water.

When we arrived on the island, we were greeted by a group of seabirds that called the island home. We watched as they flew overhead and listened to their calls.

After taking in the sights and sounds of the island, we made our way to the botanical gardens. The gardens were filled with a variety of plants and flowers, many of which were native to the area. We spent some time walking through the gardens and admiring the different plants.

Next, we explored the ruins of the old prison buildings. It was interesting to see the remains of the cells and other structures that once housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history.

We also did the official tour of the island, where we learned about the history of Alcatraz and the famous figures who were imprisoned there. We were fascinated by the stories of the prisoners and the conditions they faced on the island.

Alcatraz Island was a fascinating and educational experience. We were able to learn about the island’s rich history and see some amazing sights. We left the island feeling grateful for the opportunity to visit such an important and historic place.

As we rode the ferry back from Alcatraz Island, we could see the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. It was a beautiful sight, with the sun shining down on the bright red of the bridge’s towers and the blue of the water below.

We had a great view of the bridge from the ferry and we took some pictures to remember the moment. We were amazed by the size and beauty of the bridge and we could see why it was such a famous landmark.

As we approached the pier, we could see more of the city of San Francisco in the background. It was a beautiful day and we were happy to have had the opportunity to visit Alcatraz and see the Golden Gate Bridge.

Videos of Alcatraz Island

Pictures of Alcatraz Island