San Francisco, U.S.A.
U.S.A. facts & history in
brief
U.S.A. Map
Alcatraz, is an island, western California, in
San Francisco Bay, near San Francisco.
It is a place legend are made of.
The island stands on 5 hectares of solid rock, more
than 1.5 kilometres from the mainland and was often
referred to as 'The Rock'.
Alcatraz became infamous for the high security ('Escape-proof')
federal prison from 1933 to 1963, for some of the most
dangerous, colourful and sometimes legendary residents
such as Al "Scarface" Capone, "Doc" Barker, George "Machine
Gun" Kelly and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz".
In 1755, a Spanish Lieutenant, Juan Manuel de Ayala
explored the island and named it Isla de los Alcatraces
(Island of the Pelicans), for the large pelican population
there.
In 1854, Alcatraz Island became the first permanent
military fort on the West Coast.
A military prison was added in 1861.
In 1909, the wooden prison was replaced by a modern
concrete cellblock.
In 1934, Alcatraz became a high security federal prison
to confine some of the most dangerous criminals in the
U.S.
In 1963, the government closed it down because it was
too expensive to maintain and supply.
In 1969 a group of Sioux Indians occupied the island,
to win recognition of their claim to the island.
The Sioux were forced off the island in 1971.
In 1972, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National
Recreation Area.
Alcatraz Island now have large colonies of nesting birds
in such numbers that the Park Service limits access
to parts of the island during nesting season.
The movies made about Alcatraz Island Prison and some
of its inmates like the Birdman of Alcatraz and Escape
from Alcatraz helped to make it even more famous.
There is even an annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon.
People can visit the island and tour the prison grounds.
Alcatraz Island can only be reached by ferry boat from
Fisherman's Wharf, unless you are a much better average
open water swimmer.
Hui Chin and I found the boat trip, the meandering
on the island, amongst the ruins and remaining cellblocks
and other buildings another memorable experience.
I've visited Alcatraz in 1996, but this time around
I enjoyed it much more, mainly because the good company
of my wife and also the throngs of people that were
there this time added that extra bit to the place's
ambience.
You can click on
these photos for an enlargement.
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