Alcatraz Island (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Overview

Alcatraz Island offers a close-up look at the site of the first lighthouse and US fort on the West Coast, the infamous federal penitentiary long off-limits to the public, and the 18 month occupation by Indians of All Tribes which saved the tribes. Rich in history, there is also a natural side to the Rock - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare.

		The American Indian Occupation of Alcatraz Forty years ago on November 20 1969 Indians of All Tribes began their 19 month occupation of Alcatraz Island. We've added links to numerous sites on the Internet to help you learn more about this historic event in the history of the Rock.

Museum Collections at the Rock

This online exhibit features the extensive collections from Alcatraz Island. Collections include objects made by notorious inmates, historic photographs and documents, escape materials and inmate artwork; items used by officers including correctional materials when Alcatraz was a federal penitentiary from 1934–1963; military prison period materials from 1859–1934; and the American Indian occupation of 1969–1971. Go to the Museum Collections website to visit this online exhibit.

		Indians of All Tribes Tickets are now available for the Thanksgiving Sunrise Gatherings, sponsored by the International Indian Treaty Council. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz by Indians of All Tribes. To purchase tickets visit www.alcatrazcruises.com. To learn more about the 1969 occupation that saved the tribes, visit our WE HOLD THE ROCK page. Note that Alcatraz will be closed for tours on Thanksgiving day. There is no access to much of the island, including the cellhouse, during the gathering.

		Tweeting on Twitter Alcatraz is tweeting! You can now join us on twitter (a free service that lets you keep in touch with messages of 140 characters or less) at AlcatrazIsland. You can also follow Golden Gate National Recreaton Area at GoldenGateNPS, and the National Park Service at NatlParkService.

Write to

Alcatraz Island, Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Fort Mason, B201
San Francisco, CA 94123

E-mail Us

Phone

Ranger Station
(415) 561-4900

Ferry Tickets/Reservations
(415) 981-7625

Fax

(415) 705-1050

Climate

Alcatraz can be windy and cool, warm and clear, and wet (fog and rain) most any time of year - even on the same day! We recommended wearing layers as conditions can change quickly.

In general summers tend to be cool and foggy, winters cool and rainy, but nice days can happen any time of year.

"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

(While usually attributed to Mark Twain, the actual source of these words of wisdom is unknown - there is no evidence that Mark Twain ever said this.)