A quick reference of Alcatraz facts, covering the fortress, the penitentiary and the national park that exists today.
Geography and access
- About 22 acres, rising roughly 135 feet above the Bay.
- Around 1.25 miles from San Francisco's northern waterfront.
- Reachable only by ferry from Pier 33; the crossing takes 15 minutes.
- Named by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775.
- Home to the first lighthouse on the US West Coast, lit in 1854.
The prison years
- Operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963.
- 336 main cells, each about 5 by 9 feet.
- About 1,545 inmates over 29 years; typically 260–275 at a time.
- 14 escape attempts involving 36 men; none officially successful.
- Fresh water had to be shipped in — roughly a million gallons a week.
After the prison
- Occupied by Indians of All Tribes from November 1969 to June 1971.
- Became part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972.
- Opened to visitors in 1973.
- Now receives well over a million visitors a year.
- Supports major seabird colonies; some areas close seasonally for nesting.
More depth on Alcatraz Island guide and Alcatraz prison facts.
Frequently asked questions
How many people visit Alcatraz each year?
Well over a million visitors take the ferry to the island annually.
Why is it called Alcatraz?
From the Spanish name given in 1775 by Juan Manuel de Ayala, referencing the seabirds found there.