Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
10. WARDEN'S HOUSE
Until the house burned down in 1970, the warden's home looked out to freedom.
Designed in Mission Revival style, the home had 17 large rooms, and sweeping views
of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco lights.
The History of “The Rock”
The name “Alcatraz” derives from the Spanish
alcatraces
, for the birds that
Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala observed here when he sailed into the
Bay in 1775. In 1850, a presidential order set aside the island for the US Army
to build a citadel, but defense became less of a priority and, in 1909, it became a
military prison. In 1933 the Federal Government decided to open a maximum-
security penitentiary here. Yet Alcatraz was not the “Devil's Island” that many
think it was - the conditions, such as one man per cell, were better than other
prisons.
Tip:
Picnicking is allowed on the dock, but you'll have to bring your own
food. The visitor center does sell water, however.
Tip:
The weather is often blustery and cold on the island, and the trails and
walkways rough. Wear warm clothes and strong, comfortable shoes.
Tip:
A cell house audio tour explores the prison and its stories. It is available
in eight languages and is included in the price of the ticket, as is the ranger-
guided tour.
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