         Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is a world unto itself. Isolation, one of the constants of island life for any inhabitant - soldier, guard, prisoner, Indian, bird or plant - is a recurrent theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz. 
Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the remnants of the prison, but can also learn about the Indian occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications (the first U.S. fort on the coast), and the West Coast's first (and oldest operating) lighthouse. These structures and the island's many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and bay views beyond compare - are being preserved by the National Park Service which is working to make it accessible to visitors, preserve its buildings, protect its birds and other wildlife, and interpret its history. Museum Collections at The Rock: Alcatraz Island This exhibit features the extensive
collections from Alcatraz Island, also known 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. Multi-media features give you a virtual tour of the prison, slide shows, sound clips, and close-ups of infamous prisoners such as Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." For more information on the Museum Collections at The Rock: Alcatraz Island visit the exhibit website at http://www.cr.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/alca/overview.html. American Indian Occupation of AlcatrazThe occupation of Alcatraz Island by Indians of All Tribes changed the course of U.S. and American Indian history. An award winning video/exhibit, WE HOLD THE ROCK, produced by the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy shows daily on Alcatraz Island. The following links will take you to additional sites related to Alcatraz and the occupation by Indians of All Tribes. Our email address is goga_alcatraz@nps.gov. For ferry schedule, prices and to purchase tickets visit http://www.alcatrazcruises.com Click on the buttons at the top of the page for specific sections of the Alcatraz web site. Click on the photo of the island for special features. The buttons (below
right) will return you to the Alcatraz HOME page, The 
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