Alcatraz is well known as a historic high security prison located on about 1 mile offshore from San Francisco. Travellers from all over the world flock to Alcatraz to view this now National Historic Park to get a glimpse of where Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz") , George "Machine Gun Kelly" and many more were incarcerated. Besides the penitentiary, there is so much more history on this 12 acre island ~ from the housing of civil war POWs in very early years to the Native American Occupation in 1969-1971, there is so much to see and learn.
On our recent trip to San Fran, my husband Bob was anxious to see the Island and this abandoned prison. At first, I wasn't really interested, only because tours aren't usually my thing. I like to get out and poke around on my own and on my own timeline - which is probably why we're always behind schedule! When we looked at the day tour schedule on their website, it was clear that we could meander the island and spend as much time wherever we wanted, so I agreed it would be a great way to spend the afternoon. I packed up my 35mm and we were on our way!
We purchased our tickets at Pier 33 on the mainland and had some time to read a bit about the history about the Island while waiting for our ferry. What struck me about Alcatraz Island was that during its prison days (1934-1963), it was also home to many workers and their families - which included up to 100 children at any given time. It kind of put a different perspective on the Island I thought of as "The Rock" - a giant piece of earth designed for hard-nosed criminals.
We had approximately 2 hours to tour the Island so decided to see the prison first and see how much time we had for everything else. The self-guided audio tour took us through the prison with voiceover from a former prison guard and former prisoner, providing a feeling of their presence while you walked down the cell blocks. But the most eerie, was their invitation to walk into the Isolation cell where unruly prisoners spent many days without light and interaction. I decided to venture in and believe my time in that cell was about 3 seconds...I even managed to snap a quick shot while I was in there.
Our next stop was the Industries Building, this large building housed a dry-cleaning facility and various manufacturing areas. Prisoners were able to work here for money. The openness of this facility was interesting, with very large , thick- paned windows with views of the water and the city.
Although the Island was surrounded by water, 36 prisoners tried to escape during the 29 years Alcatraz served as a federal penitentiary. 5 were unaccounted for. The movie Escape from Alcatraz reenacts the famous 1962 escape in which 3 of the prisoners in the same breakout have not been located. Alcatraz was never filled to to capacity. The prison had no "death row" nor did they have a facility for executions. Prisoners did die at the prison due to murder, suicide, and natural causes.
Yes, we were enthralled with the stories of prison life on Alcatraz Island and all the drama associated with this penitentiary. We spent two hours on the Island and it left me wanting to learn more about it. It encapsulated so much more than just a prison ~ if you plan to visit, be prepared to escape into the solitary life of a prisoner, a prison guard, an officer, a wife, or perhaps a child...it's an experience all in it's own.
Enjoy!
Some details and tips:
1) Take your camera. Good photo ops all over the island, the light in these buildings is dreamy and no problems taking pictures anywhere.
2) We toured the Island on a Thursday afternoon at the beginning of December. We didn't buy our tickets ahead of time, although we were advised to do so. The website does a great job of updating ticket availability for each day and we checked it regularly. It would be an advantage to purchase ahead to avoid lineups (even the same day) and get there just prior to the time your ferry leaves.
3) Wear good walking shoes and take warm clothing. The ferry ride over is great and you can ride below the deck if you prefer (get in line early if you prefer to ride below - limited seating). Ferry rides are approximately 30 minutes apart and you can catch any one you like on return (depending on closing times). There is an electric shuttle that takes people from the dock to the prison for those who have mobility issues.
4) We opted for the audio tour in the prison and I'm glad we did - it's very good (and free with your ticket). You can take it at your own speed; there are also interpretive programs at the theatre with an orientation video and various exhibits for viewing.
5) Drinks and snacks available on ferry; only water available on the Island.
All images (c) Kim Hill 2016