The History of Alcatraz as a National Park

The History of Alcatraz as a National Park

Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a unit of the National Park Service, was established by Congress in 1972 as part of a trend to make national park resources more accessible to urban populations and bring “parks to the people.” Alcatraz Island was included as part of this new National Park Service unit because of its unique natural resources and human history, opening to the public on October 25, 1973.

Alcatraz is a Popular Destination

Over the last 45 years, Alcatraz has become one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world, attracting more than 1.7 million people from around the world each year who come “to meet” some of the America’s toughest criminals eye-to-eye.

Prior to 1973, visitors had never been allowed on the Island before and the response was overwhelming – more than 50,000 people visited Alcatraz during the first year it was open. Historians estimate this was more people than had set foot on the Island during all of its previous recorded history.

The History of Alcatraz

The history of Alcatraz is extensive.In addition to housing some of the most notorious criminals in the country, Alcatraz has been an important setting before and after its life as a prison. The first prison on the island was established in the late 1850s, when the U.S. Army originally held military prisoners during the American Civil War and Spanish-American War. In the early 1900s, a new prison was constructed. The 600-cell prison, now known as Alcatraz, was completed in 1912. Alcatraz became a maximum-security prison on July 1, 1934, and housed some of the most notorious inmates, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Alvin “Creepy Karpis” Karpis. Native Americans return each October and November to hold a sunrise ceremony commemorating their 1969 occupation of the former prison.

Some other cool facts:

  • The Alcatraz Lighthouse, the oldest in the west, still sends out its beam
  • The Island is considered an ecological preserve, and was once home to one of the largest colonies of Brown Pelicans on the northern California coast
  • The Island’s foghorn still sends out its throaty roars as summer fogs creep in through the Golden Gate to cloak Alcatraz Island in mist and mystery
Know Before You Go

Know Before You Go

The National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior charged with managing the preservation and public use of America’s most significant natural, scenic, historic, and cultural treasures. The NPS manages the Golden Gate National Parks as well as 394 other park sites across the U.S. For more information, visit the National Park Service – Golden Gate website.

Visit the Island with Alcatraz City Cruises

You can explore a piece of history with Alcatraz City Cruises! There are multiple tour options to select from, which means there is something for everyone! While all experiences should be on your itinerary, a couple of favorites include the Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour, where visitors will be able to see areas of the prison that are otherwise not available to the public. This 4-5-hour tour will take you all around the off-limit areas, before joining up with the Alcatraz Night Tour. On the night tour, you will get the chance to enjoy a sunset from the island, while also experiencing the many moods, exclusive tours, and activities of Alcatraz after dark.

Alcatraz City Cruises is honored to be recognized as “Best Boat Tours” by Newsweek Magazine’s expert panelists and contributors, and voted on by readers as the best of the best!

FAQs – The History of Alcatraz as a National Park



When did Alcatraz become a national park?

Alcatraz Island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and is managed by theNational Park Service (NPS). It was opened to the public in 1973, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and natural beauty.

How do I book a tour to visit Alcatraz Island?

To visit Alcatraz Island, book your tour through Alcatraz City Cruises, the official authorized concessioner for ferry transportation to the island. It’s recommended to book tickets well in advance, as tours often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Why is Alcatraz Island historically significant?

Alcatraz Island has a rich and complex history spanning multiple eras:

  • Military Fortification (1850s–1907): Originally used as a U.S. military outpost and fortress to protect San Francisco Bay.
  • Military Prison (1907–1933): Alcatraz served as a military prison for Confederate soldiers, Native American dissidents, and U.S. military offenders.
  • Federal Penitentiary (1934–1963): Perhaps its most famous chapter, Alcatraz operated as a maximum-security federal prison housing some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert “Birdman” Stroud.
  • Native American Occupation (1969–1971): Alcatraz became the site of a 19-month-long occupation by Native American activists, led by the group Indians of All Tribes, advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Why did Alcatraz close as a prison?

Alcatraz Prison closed in 1963 due to rising operational costs and deteriorating facilities. It was expensive to maintain because of its isolated location, and the cost of transporting supplies and personnel proved unsustainable for the government.

What role did Alcatraz play during the Native American Occupation?

From November 1969 to June 1971, Alcatraz Island was occupied by the group Indians of All Tribes in a peaceful protest aimed at reclaiming Native lands and raising awareness about Indigenous rights. Theoccupation helped ignite the modern Native American civil rights movement and left a lasting impact on U.S. policies toward Indigenous communities.

What can visitors see today at Alcatraz National Park?

Visitors can explore several historical sites and landmarks, including:

  • The Main Cellhouse, where notorious inmates were once held.
  • The Warden’s House and Lighthouse provide a glimpse of life for those who worked on the island.
  • Ruins of the Guardhouse and Barracks from the military era.
  • Interpretive exhibits about the Native American Occupation and Alcatraz’s diverse history.
  • Breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Bay Area from multiple vantage points.

Is the Alcatraz Island tour self-guided or guided?

Alcatraz City Cruises offers a self-guided audio tour called “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” which takes visitors through the prison and provides powerful stories from former inmates and guards. For those interested in a deeper experience, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes guided tours to restricted areas and additional historical insights.

Are there any events or exhibits dedicated to Alcatraz’s history?

Yes, the National Park Service regularly hosts special exhibits, educational programs, and commemorative events highlighting various aspects of Alcatraz’s history, including its role as a federal prison, a site of Native American activism, and its unique ecosystem.

How has nature reclaimed Alcatraz Island?

Since becoming part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz has become a sanctuary for seabirds and marine life. The island is home to numerous bird species such as cormorants, gulls, and egrets, and the surrounding waters provide a habitat for diverse marine ecosystems.

Flies are also common on Alcatraz, especially in the warmer months, due to seabirds nesting on the island. Add in limited vegetation, damp coastal air, and warmer temperatures, and it becomes an ideal habitat for flies to thrive. Being surrounded by water also means there are fewer natural predators to keep fly populations down—so they tend to stick around.

How long does the Alcatraz tour take?

Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours exploring Alcatraz Island, including taking the self-guided audio tour and visiting other historical landmarks. However, you are free to stay as long as you like and catch any return ferry to Pier 33.

Is Alcatraz Island accessible to all visitors?

Yes, Alcatraz Island is committed to accessibility. The S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram provides transportation for visitors with mobility challenges, and the main areas, including the cellhouse and exhibits, are wheelchair accessible.

Can I explore Alcatraz at night?

Yes, Alcatraz City Cruises offers an Alcatraz Night Tour, which provides a unique and atmospheric experience with special programs, narrated tours, and stunning sunset views of the bay.

Are there any movies or shows about Alcatraz’s history?

Yes, Alcatraz’s storied past has inspired numerous movies and documentaries, including:

  • Escape from Alcatraz (1979) – Based on the real-life 1962 escape attempt.
  • The Rock (1996) – An action-thriller set on Alcatraz Island.

Several documentaries explore its fascinating history, including its role as a prison and site of activism.

Can I volunteer or get involved in Alcatraz National Park programs?

Yes, the National Park Service offers volunteer opportunities, educational outreach, and conservation efforts that allow individuals to get involved in preserving Alcatraz Island and its history.

Original Post Date: October 25, 2018