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One of the things that is so appealing about San Francisco and the Bay Area is the sheer volume of sights (and indeed sites) that greet the visitor at almost every turn. Some cities may have endless places worth visiting, photographing etc. but only a few have the ability to make you catch your breath completely by chance as you get another view of an awe-inspiring sight. The Golden Gate Bridge is in my mind the pick of the bunch, be it clouded in mist or not, but Alcatraz Island runs it a close second.
Maybe it's because we all know (or think we do) so much about the place, having featured in so many famous stories, books and movies (some based on true stories, others entirely fictional). But the other reason is that there are just so many places in the city that provide stunning views of the island. Be it from the city hills, at places like Coit Tower, or from the top of Lombard Street; from the water-front at Fishermans Wharf; from Pier 39 or even a snatched glimpse from the Oakland Bay Bridge or bridges Alcatraz inspires a sense of awe.
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That sense of awe is two-fold. Firstly it's a stunning sight in it's own right, this single rock stuck in the middle of San Francisco Bay. But the knowledge that America's most violent, dangerous and down-right nasty criminals used to be kept there - seemingly within throwing distance of a major city is a real draw as well. Most of the legend of Alcatraz is based around it's most notorious inmates - Al Capone, George 'Machine-Gun' Kelly and Robert Stroud - better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz (which is in fact an entirely incorrect name as he never kept birds whilst on Alcatraz - indeed it was to stop him from keeping them that caused his move to Alcatraz). In fact the vast majority of inmates weren't particularly famous - or infamous - at all, but the combination of a few well known names and the location just called out for the popular view of Alcatraz we have today.
The reality of 'The Rock' as a prison is much less Hollywood - but certainly at least, if not more, interesting anyway. Alcatraz started it's existence as a Military Fortress in 1853 - hardly surprising really when you consider that it is impossible to enter San Francisco Bay without passing within 1-mile of the island.
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The first time Alcatraz was used as a prison was in 1861 - as a military prison - and was used during the Civil War to house civilians charged with Treason. Alcatraz gradually became more prison and less fort during the following decades, until by the early 1930's much of the original fortress had been consumed by the expanding prison buildings. Eventually however the prison was deemed unsuitable for military needs and was turned into a Federal Prison in 1934. It remained this way until it's eventual closure in 1963 - a decision made because of the cost of maintaining and continuing to run Alcatraz as a prison. The final prisoners were transferred to a new facility in Illinois and the island closed down on March 21st 1963.
Alcatraz was to remain empty until November 9th 1969 when a group of Native Americans claimed the island in the name of the Indian people. In the event this occupation lasted for nearly 2 years - until June 11 1971. Since 1972 Alcatraz has been administered by the US National Park Service and operated as the hugely popular tourist destination it is today. A comprehensive history of Alcatraz, as well as information on tours can be found at the NPS Alcatraz website at www.nps.gov/alca.
Getting to Alcatraz is a simple matter of catching a Blue and Gold ferry from Pier 41 (the next pier along from Pier 39). Be warned though - booking ahead is advised all year round, and is absolutely essential in Summer. You can book online at www.blueandgoldfleet.com by phone to (1) 415/705-5555, or in person at the ticket office at Pier 41.
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Other Images of Alcatraz....
(Just click on the image for a full-size version) |
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