VISIT ALCATRAZ IN SAN FRANCISO

In May 2003 we embarked on a cruise to Alaska that set off from San Francisco. The cruise gave us a 2 day stay in San Francisco so there was an opportunity to see the island prison.

Alcatraz was opened as a prison in 1934 and finally closed in May1963. Escapees from other prisons were sent there because it was considered to be escape-proof.

There was only one successful escape from the prison that occurred in 1962 and was portrayed in the film "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood.

Those of you who saw the film may remember Clint Eastwood cutting out a hole behind the grill in his cell wall. We were able to see this cell close up (see next picture)