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 Alcatraz, the
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
Hornblower Cruises & Events, 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
Alcatraz Cruises Celebrates National Maritime Day
America’s National Maritime Day is a time-honored tradition that recognizes one of our country’s most important industries. In honor of the country’s maritime industry and the benefits it has brought
Spotlight on Angel Island
Angel Island is the second largest Island in San Francisco Bay Area with Alameda being the largest. Angel Island is so large that on a clear day, Sonoma and Napa
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 I