Alcatraz



When I went to USC in the 80's, we made a few trips to the Bay area, prompted by football games. But we also spent some time in San Francisco. I remember I was entranced the first time I saw the city and the spell has continued. One of the attractions that completely fascinated me was Alcatraz Island. I visited the prison a couple of times in past trips and got my fix, but I took these photos from a far while I was in San Francisco this time.


During part of its existence, Alcatraz was a federal prison. Beginning in 1934, it housed some of the most notorious prisoners in the U.S., including Al Capone.


The prison was thought to be escape proof, though of the 36 men who attempted, five were never found and are presumed drowned. You can see why it was nicknamed, "The Rock."


I think part of my interest in the place stemmed from seeing the Clint Eastwood movie, "Escape from Alcatraz."





I remember reading that some of the prisoners could hear music from parties in San Francisco, which made their imprisonment even more painful.



But I think if I were a prisoner, I would welcome the music and the signs of life, so close and yet so far.

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