Alcatraz, California

 # Alcatraz: The Island of Many Stories

If you are looking for a unique and fascinating destination in California, you might want to consider visiting Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz is a small island located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, and it has a rich and complex history that spans over 150 years. In this blog post, we will explore some of the stories that make Alcatraz so intriguing and memorable.

## Alcatraz as a Military Fort and Prison

Alcatraz was first used by the U.S. military as a fortification and defense site during the Civil War. The island was strategically located at the entrance of San Francisco Bay, and it housed cannons, barracks, and a lighthouse. In 1861, the first prisoners arrived on Alcatraz, mostly Confederate sympathizers and Native Americans who resisted the government's policies. Over time, Alcatraz became a military prison for soldiers who committed crimes such as desertion, theft, and murder.

In 1934, Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of Justice and became a federal penitentiary for some of the most notorious criminals in America. Among the inmates who served time on Alcatraz were Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert "Birdman" Stroud, and Alvin "Creepy" Karpis. The prison was known for its harsh conditions, strict discipline, and high security. Escape attempts were rare and mostly unsuccessful, as the island was surrounded by strong currents and cold water temperatures. The prison closed in 1963 due to high operating costs and deteriorating facilities.

## Alcatraz as a Symbol of Native American Resistance

In 1969, a group of Native Americans from various tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in protest of the government's treatment of their people. They called themselves Indians of All Tribes (IAT), and they claimed the island as their own under the Treaty of Fort Laramie of 1868, which granted them the right to unused federal land. They also demanded that the government establish an Indian cultural center, a university, and a museum on Alcatraz.

The occupation attracted national attention and support from celebrities, activists, and other Native Americans who joined the cause. The occupiers faced many challenges such as lack of water, electricity, sanitation, and supplies. They also faced opposition from the government, which cut off their communication and tried to evict them by force. The occupation ended in June 1971 after a fire destroyed several buildings on the island and reduced the number of occupiers to a few dozen.

The occupation of Alcatraz was a significant event in the history of Native American activism and civil rights. It inspired other protests and movements across the country, such as the Trail of Broken Treaties in 1972 and the Wounded Knee Incident in 1973. It also raised awareness and respect for Native American culture and identity among the public.

## Alcatraz as a National Park Site

In 1972, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a unit of the National Park Service that manages various sites in the San Francisco Bay Area. Alcatraz is now open to visitors who can explore its history and natural beauty through guided tours, audio tours, exhibits, and programs. Visitors can learn about the lives of prisoners and guards on Alcatraz, see the cell blocks, solitary confinement cells, dining hall, library, recreation yard, and other areas of the prison. They can also learn about the Native American occupation through photographs, artifacts, and oral histories.

Alcatraz is also home to a variety of wildlife such as seabirds, marine mammals, plants, and insects. Visitors can see western gulls nesting on the island's cliffs or cormorants diving into the water for fish. They can also spot harbor seals basking on the rocks or sea lions swimming near Pier 39. The island also has gardens that were planted by inmates and families who lived on Alcatraz during its military and prison eras.

Alcatraz is one of the most popular attractions in San Francisco, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. Visitors can reach the island by ferry from Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes and offers scenic views of San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Angel Island State Park ,and other landmarks.

Alcatraz Island is a place where history meets nature in an unforgettable way. Whether you are interested.