Alcatraz Island was the first lighthouse on the Pacific as well as a Civil War fortress and later, the last chance for famous prisoners who were kicked out of other prisons. Among the first criminals sent to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay in 1934 was gangster and Mafia leader Al Capone. Others included Doc Barker - the last surviving son from the famous Ma Barker Gang, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert "Birdman of Alcatraz" Stroud, and Floyd Hamilton, driver for the infamous Bonnie and Clyde. Today, Alcatraz is an eclectic attraction for visitors and remains one of the popular tourist destination for travelers from all over the world.
This week, a new television series highlights the dark mystique of Alcatraz, which has been featured in a number of major films since its closure in the mid-1960's. A star-studded, exclusive premiere was held last week on the island itself. The bulk of the series will be filmed in Vancouver.
'Escape from Alcatraz' as well as 'Murder in the first' and "Birdman" are films that added to the legends surrounding 'The Rock' and its criminal inhabitants. Alcatraz looms large in the memories of San Franciscans, not only as a federal prision for over 40 years, but also because of the American Indian Movement occupation of the island from 1969 to 1971.
The most notorious escape from Alcatraz was in June, 1962 when inmates slipped into the cold murky waters of San Francisco Bay in the middle of the night, after months of planning. The escape was carried out by Frank Lee Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin.
A fellow inmate helped the trio to carry out their plot with a concealed raft, a midnight escape, inflatable life vests to navigate the Bay waters, and human decoys. The three men were never seen again. Some items belonging to the men were found on nearby Angel Island, leading some to believe their escape was successful. The story was made into an acclaimed 1979 film starring Clint Eastwood.
During the prior 29 years, no one ever escaped from Alcatraz, but six men died trying. Doc Barker made it to the edge of the island but was shot like a dog and died on the rocks, just a few feet from freedom. The most violent attempt occurred on May 2, 1946 when a failed escape attempt by six prisoners led to the Battle of Alcatraz.
Today, 1.4 million visitors a year take a quick ferry ride from the Pier 39 area in San Francisco for a lighthearted tour of one of America's most feared and legendary prisons. The National Park Service offers free daily tours. Hornblower Cruises offers regular ferry service daily and includes a variety of audio tour options.
Whether you want to see Cell Block B, where 'Prisoner 2024' was held, the famed gardens of Alcatraz, or the dank and eery solitary confinement cells in the lower level, there's something for every taste at Alcatraz. If you plan to visit around Halloween, be sure to get reservations well in advance, as this is one of the most popular times of year to visit SF's most hair-raising supernatural spot. It's also the site of a new triathalon, the infamous "Escape from Alcatraz" held each summer.
While you're visiting Alcatraz, don't forget to save time to visit Angel Island, its creepy, haunted sister. Known as the Ellis Island of the Pacific, Angel Island was also a prison of sorts, where World War I German nationals, as well as Native Americans, and Chinese Immigrants were held. Japanese nationals were held there during World War II. Today, you can see Civil War era houses and the old Chinese detention center, along with fantastic views of the Bay.
© Copyright 2012 Mary Holman. All rights reserved. This article and content may not be republished, rewritten or excerpted.
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