Alcatraz

Turns out to be one of my favorite places we toured! On the boat ride over we got some historical background information.

• Known as "The Rock"
• Approximately 1 1/2 miles to the nearest shoreline
• In its 29 year period, there were 14 escape attempts made by 36 prisoners, all unsuccessful
• The most violent escapes led to what is known as the Battle of Alcatraz
• Average length of stay at Alcatraz was 9 years
• There were never any female guards or prisoners
• It is said that those who died at Alcatraz still haunt the place. Reports of men screaming, whistling, talking and cell doors closing are believed to have been heard. (We heard none of these! Except on the audio tape and it was supposed to be there!)

As we arrived, we were escorted up several inclines to the prison that was about a quarter of a mile uphill! Once there, we were given headphones and an audio device. You were then on your own to follow the audio tour. It was quite interesting because the audio was narrated by ex-prison guards and prisoners. They explained the prison rules, procedures, and schedules  as we went from cell blocks to rooms. Throughout the tour you could hear the background noises as if you were there in a working prison; phones ringing, cell doors slamming, sirens, and prisoners talking.  You really got a feel of what it was like to be there.

It was said if you broke the law you went to prison, and if you broke the law in prison you went to Alcatraz!

One of the most famous escapes from Alacatraz was by 3 inmates, two of whom were brothers.  It was a very complex plan that required the making of life like dummy heads they placed in their beds, a raft made of over 50 raincoats that were donated or stolen from other prisoners. It is believed the men probably perished in the waters between the prison and the shore. Their bodies were not recovered.