Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. Isolation, one of the constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, prisoner, bird or plant - is a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but learn about the Native American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. These structures stand among the island's many natural features - gardens, tidepools, bird nests, and bay views beyond compare. Leon Whitey Thompson - AZ1465

Alcatraz is best known for its sinister reputation. Called "The Rock", "Hellcatraz"and "Uncle Sam's Devils Island" Alcatraz is best remembered for its 29 years as the maximum-security, minimum-privilege federal penitentiary that housed some of America's most notorious criminals.

What is a pelican doing on this page about Alcatraz Island? In 1775 the Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala charted the Bay and named the Island "La Isla de los Alcatraces" for the pelicans he found there. Follow this pelican for a complete tour of the island.

Military History
Penitentiary History
Native American Occupation
Natural History
Virtual Tour (Text only)
Bookstore
Hollywood's Alcatraz
Alcatraz on the Web

General Information about Visiting Alcatraz

The Alcatraz WWW Homepage would not exist but for the time and energy of volunteers. The VIP (Volunteer In Park) program is vital to the operation of our National Parks. For more information on volunteering, contact your favorite National Park unit. We can be reached at [email protected]. The contents of this document are made available for the use of individuals and may not be copied or otherwise transmitted without the permission of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

You are visitor number 45695 since March 18, 1996.