The most famous prison in the United States and, perhaps, in the whole world, Alcatraz is not only a penitentiary (which, by the way, has been functioning only as a museum for more than 30 years), but also a small picturesque island 15 minutes by sea from the San Francisco pier. Motor boats ply between the “mainland” and the island, steadily bringing numerous tourists to the prison-museum. There really is a lot to see here: for almost a hundred years Alcatraz was synonymous with hell for those prisoners who were unlucky enough to serve their time here. Tight “solitary cells”, gloomy punishment cells and narrow barred passages – after seeing all this, you start to appreciate freedom as much as possible.
A Little History
The history of Alcatraz started at the end of the 18th century when the island was discovered by a Spanish navigator and named after Pelicanos (which is how “Alcatraz” is translated from Spanish). A century later, during the Gold Rush, a lighthouse appeared here and a little later, construction began on a fort to protect the goldfields, which was later equipped with 110 long-range guns. The gold dried up and the fort was no longer needed – so in the early 20th century the first prison appeared here, first for prisoners of war and then for especially dangerous federal criminals. Not a single successful escape from Alcatraz has ever taken place – the perfect security system and natural isolation by the stormy waters of the San Francisco Bay left no chance for fugitives. The most famous prisoner of Alcatraz is the legendary Al Capone who spent seven years in prison.
What to see
Tours of Alcatraz prison are one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. There are regular “motorboats” with tourists departing from Pier 33 to the island, with at least 15 departures every half hour per day. You can also visit Alcatraz at night or combine your trip with nearby Angel Island.
The Alcatraz experience begins on the pier: a steep ascent leads to the prison, and the surrounding gardens are full of blooming plants. Alcatraz also inherited huge cannons from the military period and a lot of museum exhibits – binoculars, military uniforms, household items of the fort’s inhabitants, etc. Visiting the prison quarters, you will see blocks of cells where prisoners were held, isolation cells and punishment cells, the kitchen, dining room and Sunday Mass hall, as well as a vast courtyard. The Alcatraz Museum features original keys with the letter “A,” wardens’ whistles and weapons, handcuffs and shackles, photographs, daily routines, inmate artwork and materials on failed escapes, such as fake heads made by prisoners from soap, wire and hair that they intended to put on the bunk to conceal their absence.
The most famous Alcatraz inmate is the legendary Al Capone, who spent seven years in prison.
Information for visitors
Tickets cost $39.90 USD for adults and $24.40 USD for children. The way to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes and it is worth 2-2.5 hours to see the prison. You can return to San Francisco at any time of the return motorcoach departure until 6:30 pm.