Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz means “pelican” in Spanish, a reference
to the first inhabitants of this rocky, steepsided
island. Lying 3 miles (5 km) east of the Golden
Gate, its location is both strategic and exposed
to harsh ocean winds. In 1859, the US military
established a fort here that guarded San Francisco
Bay until 1907, when it became a military prison.
From 1934-63, it served as a maximum-security
Federal Penitentiary. Unoccupied until 1969,
the island was seized by Indians of All Tribes
(see p34)
laying claim to the island as their
land. The group was expelled in 1971,
and Alcatraz is now part of the Golden
Gate National Recreation Area.
.
Cell Block
The cell house contains four free-standing
cell blocks. No cell has an outside wall or
ceiling. The dungeon-like foundation of
the “Big House,” as inmates called the
main prison block, shares the original
foundation of the old military fortress.
Lighthouse
The original Alcatraz lighthouse,
the first on the Pacific coast of the
United States, was activated in
1854 and replaced in 1909
by the present structure.
Warden's House
This house suffered extensive fire
damage during the American
Indian occupation of 1969-71.
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KEY
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as the recreation center during the
federal prison days.
8
Electric maintenance shop
9
The Military Dorm
was built
in 1933 for use by the military
prison guards.
0
Sally Port
dates from 1857.
Equipped with drawbridge and dry
moat, this guardhouse defended
the approach to Fort Alcatraz.
q
The Exhibit Area
is in the old
barracks building behind the ferry
jetty. It houses a bookstore, exhibits,
and multi-media show providing a
historical overview of Alcatraz, and
an information counter.
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Barracks buildings
1
Agave Trail
(open seasonally).
2
The officers' apartments
stood here.
3
Military parade ground
(open seasonally).
4
Metal detectors
checked
prisoners on their way to and from
the dining hall and exercise yards.
The “machine” on display in the
Cell House is a prop from the
film Escape from Alcatraz.
5
The Military Morgue
is tiny
and cramped and not open to
the public.
6
Water tower
7
The Officer's Club
,
dating from
the days of Fort Alcatraz, also served
