Alcatraz Island , much more than 'just an old prison'- was once home to America's most dangerous federal prison, and, is now- also a unique and enticing opportunity to 

explore multiple layers of intriguing American history. . .

For many, interest in Alcatraz history begins with a 

natural curiosity for the site of America's very first 'Super-Maximum Security' Federal Prison, U.S.P. - Alcatraz (1934-1963). The intense public interest was fostered by an intense secrecy created by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons when it opened in August 1934, and continuing for decades.  

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Numerous notorious criminals from America's infamous 'Gangster Era' ,including Al 'Scarface' Capone, Alvin 'Creepy' Karpis, and George 'Machine-Gun' Kelly - were transferred to 'the Rock' from other federal prisons - as 'escape risks'.  

With the arrival of the first Federal prisoners, in August of 1934 an intensifying public interest developed - and Hollywood movie producers responded with a succession of 'Gangster-Era' themed releases.

The first of the major productions, would star two major leading-male actors of the time, Edgar G. Robinson and Jimmy Stewart - 'The Last Gangster' (1937).

A succession of Hollywood films would follow, including the iconic 'Escape fromAlcatraz' - detailing the 1962 'Great Escape', starring lead actor Clint Eastwood, and then the blockbuster - 'The Rock' - featuring box-office stars Sean Connery and Nicholas Cage (1996). 

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Since Alcatraz Island opened as a U.S. National Park site, in 1973, visitors numbering up to nearly 1.5 million - from all points around the globe - have traveled to this special historic island each year.

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Visitors who share the Alcatraz experience, are enriched by the history revealed during their brief visit-as they discover significant Civil War military history, historic gardens, the site of the first light-house on the American west coast, and the surprising colonies of seasonal nesting seabirds. 

We hope you enjoy your 'virtual visit' to our site 'AlcatrazTheRock.com' - and hopefully are planning an actual visit sometime in the not-to-distant future!

There are numerous fascinating discoveries to share -from the Civil War/Fortress Era, through the infamous penitentiary period, to today's National Park site - so please - enjoy your 'visit' and return often,  as this is an ever-evolving site!

Check out our blog posts below, navigate other pages at the top of this home-page, or click on images in 'Virtual Tours' to connect

to expanding content:  Explore Alcatraz Island . . .

expanding blog posts 'clickable' below: