Everybody heard of Alcatraz as the maximum security
prison but it only served this purpose from 1934-63. Before 1934 it served
as a fort for the US military until 1907 when it became a military prison.
Unoccupied from 1963 to 1969 the islands was taken over by members of the
American Indian Movement. Today Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area. To get to Alcatraz you need to take a Blue & Gold
Fleet ferry which departs from Pier 41. Booking in advance is recommended,
especially in summer.
