Alcatraz Island

The island was first discovered by Don Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, who named it Isla de los Alcatraces. Its name comes from the Spanish (and originally Arabic) word for the pelican. An English version of alcatraz was used to name the albatross.

Formerly known as Fort Alcatraz, it was first garrisoned on December 30, 1859. By 1861, there were 85 cannons and 130 men located here. In addition to its use as a disciplinary barracks for military prisoners, it housed Confederate political prisoners during the Civil War and WWI conscientious objectors. In 1933, title to the island passed to the Department of Justice. During its twenty nine years of operation the penitentiary logged no officially successful escape. Thirty four prisoners were involved in fourteen attempts, two men trying twice; seven were shot and killed, two drowned, five were unaccounted for and the rest were recaptured. Two prisoners made it off the island but were returned, one in 1945 and one in 1962.

Today, the island is a historic site supervised by the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is open to tours. Visitors can reach the island by ferry ride from Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. It is listed as a National Historic Landmark. In addition to the prison, the oldest operating lighthouse on the West Coast of the United States, early military fortifications, natural features such as rock pools, a seabird colony (mostly gulls, cormorants, gannets and pelicans) and unique views of the coastline are also found here.

www.nps.gov/alca/
www.militarymuseum.org/Alcatraz.html
www.alcatrazhistory.com/factsnfig.htm


www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amw5iBEO1Ec
 islandNRHP - National Register of Historic Placesmovie / film / TV locationhistoric districttourist attractionprison museumU.S. National Historic Landmark
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:  37°49'36"N 122°25'22"W

Comments

  • The last photo is Alcatraz ca. 1895.