Alcatraz Island, also referred simply as the Rock or Alcatraz, is a small island situated in the middle of the San Francisco Bay (California, United States). This famous island once served as a light house, but later it went on to serve a variety of purposes including a military fortification and then a military prison. Alcatraz Island was also made a federal prison till 1963. In 1972, this island was made an area for national recreation and then received the land marking designation between the period of 1976 and 1986.

The Alcatraz Island was used to keep Civil War prisoners in 1861 because it was isolated from the outside world by strong and cold hazardous currents of the deadly waters in the San Francisco Bay. In 1906, civil prisoners were shifted to this island after San Francisco was jolted with an earthquake for safe confinement.

The island of Alcatraz offers a close-up view at the site where the first lighthouse was located along with the US fort located in the West coast. This island is rich in history marking the famous eighteen month occupation led by the Indians of All tribes and it helped in saving the tribes. The museum collections at the Alcatraz Island include historical objects made by various notorious inmates, escape materials, inmate artwork, historic photographs and documents, various items like correctional materials used by officers and all types of military prison period materials.

Apart from its rich history, the scenic beauty of Alcatraz Island includes tide pools, Rock gardens, bay views and bird colonies beyond compare. The National Park Service operates the island as a historical site and a part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

If you wish to reach the island, you can take a ferry ride from Pier 33, which is near Fisherman’ Wharf in the city of San Francisco.