The December Departures From Alcatraz
Guest Blog Post – Michael Esslinger Two escapes, occurring on the same day a quarter century apart and both aided by dense fog, helped shape the lore of
Revisiting the Civil War Living History Day on Alcatraz Island
The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz (FOCWA) is a non-profit group that supports the interpretation of Civil War history on Alcatraz Island. In partnership with the National Park Service, the
The History of Alcatraz as a National Park
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
Native American Occupation
One of the most significant, yet often-forgotten, historical “landmarks” of Alcatraz Island is the Native American Occupation, which was in the forefront from 1969–1971. Beginning on November 20, 1969, a
James “Whitey” Bulger Was No Ordinary Criminal
In the annals of organized crime, the story of James “Whitey” Bulger is the stuff of Hollywood. (More on that in a minute.) He started out as a bank robber
Former Alcatraz Guard Shares His Story About Life on “The Rock”
Retired Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary guard George DeVincenzi served on “The Rock” from 1950 to 1958, departing just five years before the infamous Island prison closed forever in 1963. NPR Correspondent
Alcatraz Cruises’ Hornblower Hybrid is a Model of Alternative Energy Innovation
City Cruises, Alcatraz Cruises’ parent company, boasts the marine industry’s only hybrid passenger ferry fleet in North America. The first hybrid ferry was introduced to San Francisco Bay in 2009
Alcatraz in Several Native Tongues…
Guest Blogger Peter Finch I work at Alcatraz island and I love it. I’m a history buff, and this is living history. Also, I enjoy my co-workers and supervisors and
Alcatraz Cruises Announces Indians Of All Tribes Day
Alcatraz Cruises and the National Park Service will recognize the 48th anniversary of the Occupation of Alcatraz Island by the Indians of All Tribes on Monday, November 20, 2017. Special
Alcatraz's Contributions To The Civil War
From the beginning of the Civil War, the United States government considered Fort Alcatraz to be one of the strongest and most formidable military fortifications in the entire country. As