San Francisco – Pt 3 – Alcatraz Island
They are both bundled up, but it was actually on the mild side (although breezy on the cruise boat).
In 1969, some years after the infamous prison closed, the American Indian Movement claimed the Island as their own and stayed until they were forced off by federal marshall about 18 months later in 1971. That occupation was an awakening of the American Indian culture and was a step towards the Indian rights movement.
Alcatraz was the location of the west coast’s first lighthouse. It was also a military fortification and the west coast harbor defense during the Civil War. The Army eventually turned the Island into a military prison and then into the infamous federal prison until it closed on March 21, 1963. The Indian occupation was next in the history chain, along with other civil rights movements, until in 1976 it was designated as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Amazing all of the things nuggets of info one learns on these trips!
We initially started walking the grounds, visiting the various outbuildings and the warden’s residence which are weathered, crumbling, and roofless — just the type of structures I like photographing!
In addition to the sea birds, there are also all types of interesting flowers and plants.
Eventually we made our way inside.
Of course the first thing I had to do was goof around and put Mike in a jail cell – complete with his audio headphones on!
The cells are far smaller than I imagined they would be.
The prison is noted for housing some of the most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud (aka the “Birdman of Alcatraz”). The saying was “If you break the law you go to prison, if you break the prison laws, you go to Alcatraz.” Alcatraz, or “The Rock.”
Cell Block-D, where Robert Stroud spent most of his time.
The cell blocks are dismal, and our audio tour detailed many stories of dire conditions such as “The Hole,” a solitary sensory deprivation cell measuring 9x5x7 feet located in the D-Block section.
The prison houses less prisoners than I thought – the higest number being 302, the lowest 222, an the average some 260.
While it was all interesting, including the educational movie we watched, I was happy leaving the cells and exploring more of the outside.
The stairs leading to the courtyard. This was Mike’s favorite area of the Island.
Although there were escape attempts, only Frank Lee Morris and the Anglin brothers in 1962 escaped the institution and the island, although their survival was doubtful. Escape from Alcatraz is the movie with Clint Eastwood portraying Morris.
While walking around the perimeter of the Island, there were some gorgeous views.
The audio tour also noted that the city view from the upper level of the jail cells were a form of torture because freedom was so close yet so very far.
October 17th, 2009 at 4:04 am
Thank you for sharing those pics. I visited Alcatraz over 25 years ago and found it an immensely sad place, but such a beautiful location….
October 17th, 2009 at 10:07 am
My pleasure Caroline. The Island itself is very interesting, and watching the birds was fascinating and relaxing. However, the prison had a very odd feel and I was glad to get outside.
October 17th, 2009 at 10:29 am
Terrific photos…thanks for sharing them and the story that goes with. I’m sure being there was a very moving experience!
October 17th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Thanks Karen! :)