Alcatraz

For 30 years Alcatraz or “The Rock” as it is commonly known was America’s premier maximum security prison housing some of the countries most infamous criminals.

The Rocks most famous inmate was of course Al Capone whose influence over the guards was such that he had his cell well furnished with amenities other inmates could only hope for. Other famous inmates included George “machine gun” Kelly and Robert Stroud the birdman of Alcatraz. During the prisons operation no fewer than 36 men tried to escape (including two who tried twice), of these 23 were caught, six shot and killed trying to escape and two drowned in the ice cold San Francisco bay. Two of the men caught were later executed in the nearby San Quentin prison which still operates and houses some of the nation’s most notorious prisoners today.

This is of course just a brief history of this famous place and today as you cruise across the bay and approach Alcatraz before entering you get an eerie feel as the place has hardly changed since its closure.

Tourists flock here in large numbers today though they do limit the amount allowed to enter this world heritage sight on a daily basis to keep its authentic feel.

As you wander around the prison itself you experience the true isolation of this island, taking the audio tour gives a great insight into the rich and varied history and talks you through the cells, and rooms you are currently standing in.

Another thing you can not help but remember as you tour the sight is the numerous movies you will have seen that were shot and based here, The Birdman of Alcatraz and Escape From Alcatraz are two of the most famous and more recently The Rock staring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery.

On site there is a book store and small shop but other than that and a couple of museum exhibits Alcatraz is largely untouched and remain how it was when in service.