Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, an island located in San Francisco Bay in San Francisco, California, has held many roles since its discovery. First discovered by Spanish explorers, then controlled by the United States, later occupied by Native American activists, and now serving as a recreational area, Alcatraz Island has been represented as a military prison, federal penitentiary, meeting site for Native Americans, and it is currently a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Originally, when Spanish explorers first discovered this island in the 16th century they gave it the name Alcatraces, meaning "pelican" or "strange bird" (Finckenauer). Alcatraces later transformed into the English-favored word Alcatraz.

Regardless of its "escape-proof"

Bernie Coy, Joseph "Dutch" Cretzer, and Miran "Buddy" Thompson worked hard in their escape attempt (Spectacular). On the first day of the attempt, May 2nd, 1945, the three inmates faked a riot, took possession of weapons, and tried to shoot themselves to freedom outside of the prison. Bernie Coy had also built a bar spreader prior to this day and was planning to use it in the escape. After the riot, Bernie, Joseph, and Miran took nine guards as hostages with the help of three other inmates that they had acquired as accomplices. In the meantime, officials at the penitentiary had called for help from the United States Marines. Rioting and fights continued on the second day of the escape, but the inmates attempted to negotiate a deal with the prison officials. However, the officials demanded complete surrender which did not settle well with the convicts, and they create more damage. The original order was to keep the hostages alive, but after Miran realized that the hostages would know that he was involved, he commanded Joseph to kill the hostages. The prison guards caught the inmates and killed Bernie and Joseph, and Miran returned to his cell pretending he wasn 't involved. Miran later finds out that Cretzer had only killed one hostage, and he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Miran Thompson was the first person to die in a gas chamber in California. He died December 3rd,

In 1972, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and was open for touring. Visitors may tour any day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year 's Day; however, certain areas on the island are closed throughout the year due to the nesting of a variety of sea birds. Upon arrival, tourists may go at their own pace through the day, but at night the tours are guided. Tickets are all-inclusive, so the ferry transportation fee, cell-house audio tour, and Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee are included into the tickets. The main point of the tour is to inform visitors of escapes, famous inmates, American Indian occupation, military prison, federal prison, and other general information about the island. The staff also offers other programs during the day about escapes, military history, American Indian occupation, and the island 's natural history. Furthermore, there are videos, exhibits, and cell house audio tours available. During the evening tours, a ferry circles the island and live narration plays from the boat about the history of the island. One the boat is docked, staff members perform a guided tour from the dock to cell house. The tour is mostly the same as the day tour, but some areas are closed at night due to safety concerns. The recommended amount of time to spend on the island is two to three hours, but visitors may stay as long or as short as they want. Ticket prices range in age of visitor and