Alcatraz Island History
Native Americans probably visited Alcatraz Island, possibly to gather bird's eggs, but it is unlikely any ever lived there.
 Alcatraz lighthouse, the first lighthouse built on the Pacific Coast, was completed and lit for the first time in the summer of 1853, and a fog bell, rung by hand, was added in 1856.
The original lighthouse, a California Cottage design similar to Point Pinos Lighthouse in Pacific Grove and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, in San Diego was demolished in 1909 to make way for the construction of the prison on Alcatraz Island.
 This small island in San Francisco Bay served as a military fortification in the 1850’s. A large building known as the Citadel was constructed to house troops stationed there and dozens of artillery pieces were placed to defend against a possible Confederate attack.
 It was later an incarceration facility for Spanish-American War prisoners, and then a federal maximum-security prison from 1934 to 1963. The island was converted to a military prison at the end of the Civil War. After the 1906 earthquake the Citadel was demolished and the United States Military Prison, Pacific Branch, Alcatraz Island was built.
Running a prison on the island was expensive because every item; food and water, even magazines and cigarettes, had to be shipped in. With Prohibition a national crime wave led J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI, to seek a secure location for federal criminals. The transition from a military prison to maximum security federal prison took place during 1933–34.
 Once the temporary home of famous criminals like Al “Scarface” Capone, “Doc” Barker, George “Machine Gun” Kelly and Robert Stroud — the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” Alcatraz Island now harbors nesting birds in such numbers that the Park Service limits access to parts of the island during nesting season.
 The Alcatraz prison launch "Warden Johnston" made 12 trips each day to San Francisco and back from 1945 to 1961 bringing the prison guards, their families and the prisoners necessary supplies, and occasionally transporting prisoners for court dates.
Of course it was no easier or less expensive to run a federal prison than a military prison on an island so Alcatraz Island Federal Prison was closed permanently in 1963.
Native American Occupation
 Alcatraz Island was seized and occupied by a group of American Indians from 1969 to 1971 in a successful protest against the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The Occupation of Alcatraz Island served as a catalyst for change; a starting point for major events, protests, occupations and legislation that has affected the lives of American Indians ever since.
In addition to the occupation's effect on government policy and treatment of American Indians there was the "Indian Renaissance" which took place among Indians themselves.
Visiting Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island Prison is now a popular visitor destination as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in San Francisco. Alcatraz Island Prison Tour tickets are often sold out a week or more in advance. Most San Francisco Bay Cruises pass the island for a close up look (without stopping).
 The only way to get to or from Alcatraz Island is by ferry boat from Fisherman’s Wharf. That is, unless you consider yourself to be a very good open water swimmer.
 When you visit Alcatraz Island be prepared for the one-quarter of a mile hike to the top or take the shuttle which makes a trip every hour to carry visitors up the slope. No food is sold on the island so you should plan to eat before you go or take food with you.
Be sure to take a jacket or sweater for your visit to The Rock because it can be quite cool on San Francisco Bay even in the summer. And don't forget your camera! In addition to all the history of Alcatraz Island Prison you will have great views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Treasure Island and more.
Alcatraz Island is closed on just two days - Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Alcatraz visitation starts at 9:30 am with departures to the Island every half an hour. The Island closes at 6:30 pm in the summertime and at 4:30 pm the rest of the year. The National Park Service strongly advises visitors to get advance tickets. The first few times I tried to go to Alcatraz, with visiting friends or relatives, we were not able to go because we had not planned far enough in advance.
Visit the National Park Service site for additional historical and current event information. Another informative site is Alcatraz - The Warden Johnston Years. Read about the Post at Alcatraz Island, at the California Military Museum on-line. There is also an informative article on How Alcatraz Worked at How Stuff Works.
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