Alcatraz Island


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 1969, the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights. We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty.

The Alcatraz Ferry Terminal is located on The Embarcadero near the intersection of Bay Street at Pier 33.

  • Food
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store

  • Colonization and Settlement
  • Forts
  • Incarceration
  • Jails and Prisons
  • Maritime
  • Maritime - Military
  • Lighthouses
  • Medicine
  • Hospital
  • Military
  • US Army
  • Native American Heritage
  • Social Movements
  • Wars and Conflicts
  • Tribal Conflicts
  • Animals
  • Birds

Alcatraz Island

View of the Alcatraz Lighthouse and Island from the water

Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Cellhouse

A corridor extends between two rows and three tiers of cells. Skylights let in light from overhead.

Looking down Broadway in the Alcatraz Cellhouse

Alcatraz Rangers and Firetruck

Alcatraz Rangers and Firetruck

Alcatraz Rangers and 1934 Diamond T Firetruck

Army Prisoners in the Stockade, 1902

Army Prisoners in the Stockade, 1902

Army Prisoners in the Stockade, 1902

Serving the Christmas Meal, c 1951

Cook serving Christmas dinner with menu posted above.

An inmate worker distributes trays near the steam table. Bars separate the kitchen from the mess hall. The day’s menu, the Christmas meal, appears on a sign over his head. The menu includes consomme, stuffed celery, green olives and mixed sweet pickles,