Dec 12, 2025 · Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In …

Alcatraz Island (/ ˈælkəˌtræz /) is a small island about 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco in San Francisco Bay, California, near the Golden Gate Strait. [1] The island was developed in the mid-19th …

Nov 12, 2025 · Alcatraz, former maximum-security prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, some 1.5 miles (2.4 km) off the coast of California. First used as a jail during the American Civil …

Located just 1.5 miles off the coast of San Francisco, Alcatraz Island spans 22 acres in the heart of San Francisco Bay. Discover the rich history of this iconic landmark.

Oct 27, 2009 · Today, historic Alcatraz Island, which was also the site of a U.S. military prison from the late 1850s to 1933, is a popular tourist destination.

In 1854, the West Coast’s first lighthouse was built on San Francisco Bay’s Alcatraz Island to guide the ships coming and going through the Golden Gate. Government officials quickly decided that the tiny, …

Apr 27, 2021 · Plan on spending at least a few hours on Alcatraz exploring the exhibits, checking out the video presentations or audio tours. Jr. Ranger books and programs are often available, and ranger …

On the night of June 11, 1962, inmates Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin escaped from Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the maximum-security prison on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco …

From 1909 through 1911, the military prisoners on Alcatraz built the new prison, which was designated the Pacific Branch, U.S. Disciplinary Barracks for the U.S. Army. It was this prison building that later …

Whether immersing yourself in history, experiencing arts and culture, spotting wildlife, exploring the historic gardens, or soaking in the awe-inspiring views, we'll help you make the most of your visit to …