Sara DobsonEscape to Alcatraz
July 2nd 2008 04:33
A visit to the world famous Alcatraz is like being transported back in time for a day. Alcatraz has a rich history. It started out as home to one of America’s first lighthouses, it then became a military fort in 1853, then a maximum-security prison in the 1930s.
The prison closed in 1963 due to the high running costs. The land was unused until the 1969 when American Indians seized it in a land dispute. Now it is a National Park visited by thousands of tourists every year.
You get to the island by ferry. Make sure you have you camera ready as you get some fantastic views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge from the boat. When you arrive, you have a quarter of a mile hike up the hill to the prison or you could take the shuttle bus that arrives every hour.
Once you get to the island, you can wander freely, or take an audio tour. The audio tour is fascinating and narrated by ex convicts. There are also park wardens that offer extra tours and additional information.
Walking through the prison itself is amazing, you walk around the cells in the main block and get a feeling of what prison life may have been like back then.
Home to some of the most notorious criminals such as Al Capone, and Machine Gun Kelly, Alcatraz was one of the most secure prisons in the world. Not only did it have the usual high walls and guard towers, the frigid waters and surrounding sea currents were enough to make escape virtually impossible.
In all 34 convicts attempted to escape over the 29 years the prison was in operation. One attempt was made famous by the 1979 movie, Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. The three prisoners involved in that attempt were never found. Authorities assumed they had drowned in the rough seas that surround the island; however, this has never been proven. In fact, simulated tests over the years have shown that escape may have been possible.
Purchase your tickets well in advance, as we were there in late August and tours out to the Island were completely booked for three days. I can only imagine it would be worse in the height of summer.
Ferries to Alcatraz leave from Pier 41 at Fishermans Wharf. Take something warm to put on even if it is warm in the city is can be cold on the island. Take whatever food you need, as there is nothing available once you get there.
The prison closed in 1963 due to the high running costs. The land was unused until the 1969 when American Indians seized it in a land dispute. Now it is a National Park visited by thousands of tourists every year.
You get to the island by ferry. Make sure you have you camera ready as you get some fantastic views of the city and Golden Gate Bridge from the boat. When you arrive, you have a quarter of a mile hike up the hill to the prison or you could take the shuttle bus that arrives every hour.
Once you get to the island, you can wander freely, or take an audio tour. The audio tour is fascinating and narrated by ex convicts. There are also park wardens that offer extra tours and additional information.
Walking through the prison itself is amazing, you walk around the cells in the main block and get a feeling of what prison life may have been like back then.
Cell
Home to some of the most notorious criminals such as Al Capone, and Machine Gun Kelly, Alcatraz was one of the most secure prisons in the world. Not only did it have the usual high walls and guard towers, the frigid waters and surrounding sea currents were enough to make escape virtually impossible.
Alcatraz
In all 34 convicts attempted to escape over the 29 years the prison was in operation. One attempt was made famous by the 1979 movie, Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood. The three prisoners involved in that attempt were never found. Authorities assumed they had drowned in the rough seas that surround the island; however, this has never been proven. In fact, simulated tests over the years have shown that escape may have been possible.
Purchase your tickets well in advance, as we were there in late August and tours out to the Island were completely booked for three days. I can only imagine it would be worse in the height of summer.
Ferries to Alcatraz leave from Pier 41 at Fishermans Wharf. Take something warm to put on even if it is warm in the city is can be cold on the island. Take whatever food you need, as there is nothing available once you get there.
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