I remember actually seeing this the last time I saw the Golden Gate bridge. I probably have a picture somewhere, but regardless, this is a pretty famous place. On this date in 1934, the first prisoners arrived at Alcatraz. Its name came from a Spanish explorer who named the island after the pelicans he saw living there. This federal penitentiary (known as the Rock) housed prisoners from 1934 to 1963. It held on the most hardened criminals (including Al Capone). It was meant to hold no more than 330 prisoners, but at its highest populations, it only held 275 and 90 guards. The reason that it closed as a prison is that its deterioration cost too much to fix and maintain. Instead of spending five million dollars to fix it, it was easier to close it. It is now a historic museum that attract 1.5 million visitors per year. Although I saw the place from the bridge, we never visited. Maybe someday.
For more information:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcatraz_Federal_Penitentiary
http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/wwii/jb_wwii_rock_1.html
http://famousdaily.com/history/alcatraz-island-federal-prison-first-prisoners.html
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3 Comments
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Last time I was in San Francisco was for my cousin’s wedindg, and I remember my cousin saying that some of the larger vehicles can’t go up the steeper hills. I had never though of that as being a problem for tours, but it is interesting to hear what this company’s solution was, because it makes sense that sort of thing would be hard.
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I bet this place is super creepy while inside! I would love to visit though!
Jovon from Book2Buzz
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Author
I’m sure you’re right. I still would love to tour it one day!
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