Traveling Teacher Online!: Take a Step Back in Time at Alcatraz

Al Capone. “Machine Gun” Kelly. Mickey Cohen. Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” These names conjure up images from a different era and of a lonely, isolated prison in the heart of San Francisco Bay; Alcatraz. Though it served as a federal penitentiary for just 29 years, it still captures the public’s attention and imagination. As a result, it’s one of the top tourist destinations in San Francisco.

“You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege. Alcatraz Prison Rules and Regulations, Number 5.” That rule was just one of the realities of life inside the walls at “the Rock.” This rule and many others are now part of the rich history of the island.

“Break the rules and you go to prison. Break the prison rules, and you go to Alcatraz.” That sentiment sums up the purpose of the solemn island penitentiary...a place to house troublesome prisoners or to treat those who needed extreme rehabilitation. The island was virtually escape-proof, although there were 36 attempts over the years. In 1962, Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin pulled off the most famous escape in Alcatraz history. They chipped holes around the vents in their cells, climbed into the utility corridor behind the walls and escaped to the roof. They left paper Mache dummy heads in their beds to fool the guards. This escape, months in the making, made the trio famous, although they were never seen again and were presumed to have drowned in San Francisco Bay.

Touring one of the cell blocks

Although Alcatraz had a reputation for being hard and tough, history shows that prisoners at Alcatraz enjoyed some perks not seen in other prisons of the time. They were allowed to eat as much food, the best of any federal prison, as they wanted within the 20-minute meal periods. In the prisons’ later years, they had permission to paint, play musical instruments, watch movies on the weekends, and use radios. The guards and their families lived on the island, and they were so confident in the security of Alcatraz, they never locked their doors.

A cell in Block D -- solitary confinement

Today, the practical side of a visit to Alcatraz starts with a boat ride from San Francisco. Stopping first at the dock, a volunteer from the National Park service welcomes visitors and gives a brief introduction. From there it’s a steep walk up the hill to the cell house, but transportation is available for the infirm. Once in the cell house, an excellent audio tour, which includes narration from former guards and prisoners, guides visitors through the cellblocks and various rooms. After the audio tour, visitors are free to walk the grounds to see the recreation yard, views of the mainland, and the well-kept gardens. Alcatraz is also home to a wide variety of seabirds, and their nesting areas can be seen from outside the cell house.

Those who want to take a trip to Alcatraz should plan ahead and buy tickets early. Tickets for the ferry and subsequent island tour sell out well in advance. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.alcatrazcruises.com , the official provider of transportation to and from Alcatraz. Other tour companies offer tickets, but at inflated prices.

"You are expected to bathe in a reasonable amount of time."
Good advice for us all!

“It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked,” said Al Capone in 1934. Indeed, time spent at “the Rock,” by over 1,500 inmates gave the island its notorious reputation. Windswept rocks, crashing waves, and San Francisco’s frequent fog put the finishing touches on one of America’s most visited National Parks. It’s worth the time and trouble to make a journey to the Rock...Alcatraz.