Alcatraz island tour San Francisco. Exploring Alcatraz island in San Francisco, Exploring the California prison in Alcatraz island. California prison in Alcatraz Island.

A prison isn’t usually a tourist destination, but Alcatraz Island in San Francisco is a major exception. Touring the historic former prison is an unusual experience, but it’s one I recommend for anyone curious about what life was like as an inmate or officer here years ago.

Alcatraz was a military prison in 1868 and a federal prison from 1933 until 1963. It may only be 1.5 miles to the mainland but due to the strong currents and cold water temperatures, it’s almost impossible for prisoners to escape.

The island was officially named “La Isla de los Alcatraces” (The Island of the Pelicans) by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775 after the strange birds that inhabited it. It remained largely unused until the first Americans arrived in 1848, and John Fremont bought it.

In the 1930s, officials needed a remote site to create a more secure prison for those deemed too difficult to incarcerate elsewhere, one that would prohibit communication with the outside world. Alaska had been considered for this high security prison but ultimately the availability and convenience of Alcatraz became a more reasonable and cost-effective choice.

The island served as a federal penitentiary just under three decades: 1934-1963. It’s most famous today because of its notorious inmates and its treacherous location, the swift, cold bay currents and surrounding cliffs making escape nearly impossible.

After the prison closed, Alcatraz was abandoned until 1969 when a group of Native Americans claimed the land as Indian territory. Their hope was to create a cultural and educational center for Native Americans from all tribes.

Unfortunately, the small group of leadership couldn’t control the damage that occurred at the hands of the near 100 occupants to the island — everything from graffiti and vandalism to a fire that destroyed several structures. Because of this, federal marshals were brought in to remove them from the island in 1971.

Congress established the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 which included Alcatraz Island among several other areas. The island officially opened to the public in 1973 and saw more people in that first year than had ever been previously recorded — combined.

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