ALCATRAZ HISTORY - Prisoners: Henry Young (AZ #244)
©2002 RJ BestALCATRAZ HISTORY
Henry Young (AZ #244)
The film "Murder in the First" purports to tell the story of non-violent Alcatraz inmate Henry Young. Hollywood is famous for its fiction and this film is a shining example of pure fabrication.
The real Henry Young (who also used "Henri" Young as an alias) was a murderous person with a long history of violence. Though the movie depicts him as a teenage orphan who ends up on Alcatraz as a result of a petty theft, life shows us that he began his life of crime as a bank robber with a penchant for taking and brutalizing hostages. He committed murder in 1933 and served time in state prisons in Montana and Washington before being sent to the U.S. Penitentiary on McNeil Island in Washington state in 1935. He was shipped to Alcatraz that same year, which indicates that his disciplinary problems were apparent to the officials at McNeil very soon.
Young's conduct report while at Alcatraz is a lengthy list of behavioral problems – it includes taking part in the prison's 1937 strike, refusing to work, creating disturbances, fighting, possessing contraband, and even wasting food. Young was not at all the model prisoner that the movie attempts to present.
"Murder in the First" also leads the audience to believe that his murder of fellow inmate Rufus McCain resulted from the madness of being confined, naked, in a dark dungeon for three years. The facts are quite different. Young participated in an escape attempt in 1939 and was held in the disciplinary segregation unit in the main cellhouse for several months only. He had plumbing, an electric light, a cot and other standard cell furnishings. His Achilles tendon was never slit by the associate warden in an attempt to prevent future escapes.
Young killed McCain in 1940, approximately more than a year after being released from his cell in segregation. His homicidal act had nothing to do with his punishment for the escape attempt and was certainly not related to spending time in a dungeon (which never happened). Young stated at his trial that the animosity between him and McCain had stemmed from the failed escape attempt.
The movie also tells us that Young committed suicide on Alcatraz in 1942. In reality, Young was an Alcatraz inmate until 1948, when he was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners at Springfield, Missouri.
In fact, there may be some reason to believe that Henry Young is still alive today. When his Federal sentence expired in 1954, he was turned over to the Washington State Penitentiary at Walla Walla to begin a life sentence for an earlier murder conviction. In 1972, he was released from Washington State Penitentiary, but he jumped parole and, according to Washington State authorities, his whereabouts are unknown.
Link to Young's conduct report:
http://www.notfrisco2.com/alcatraz/bios/hyoung/244cond.html
Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-08 - All Rights Reserved
ALCATRAZ TOUR PACKAGES - Reserve tickets online TODAY!
Popular Alcatraz Combination Tours
We offer One and Two day combination tour packages for Alcatraz.
Beware Alcatraz Ticket Tricks and Huge Overcharges. Don't be fooled or overcharged by other Alcatraz "Official" Ticket web sites. These overpriced web sites may charge you as much as $10.00 per ticket "service charge" or $ 3.95 per order "service fee" or both. We do not mark up Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour prices. We also do not advertise $7.00-8.00 child ticket prices for a 1 Hour Bay Cruise that goes around Alcatraz (not to Alcatraz) to lure you into our web site.
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We offer the published prices for Ferry and Audio Tour Tickets to Alcatraz.
All of our Alcatraz tickets are combined with a 2nd tour also at published prices.
We make a commission on selling you the 2nd tour. We don't think you should
pay as much as $13.95 extra and not get anything but a Alcatraz Ferry ticket and a
"service charge."
Thanks for visiting San Francisco and purchasing tickets from us.
Notice: Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33.
A very limited amount of Night Alcatraz Tours are available from Thursday through Monday nights only. Departures are 4:10 PM or 5:10 PM. Higher Night Tour rate will be charged. Ferry and Night Tour Departure Times are 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM. Please indicate if you want a Night Tour on your order. If Night tours are unavailable a day Alcatraz tour if available will be reserved for you.
If Alcatraz is Sold Out or you will be visiting Fisherman's Wharf buy a
Wharf Pass.
Save with this One Low Price Admission Pass to the best Wharf Attractions, Tours and Cruises.
| BOAT CRUISE PACKAGES | 48 HOUR HOP ON HOP OFF PACKAGES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Alcatraz combined with Bay and Sunset Cruises: | Alcatraz combined with open ticket Hop On Hop Off Double Decker Bus Tours: | ||
| 1 Hour Golden Gate Bay Cruise | From $46.50 | Double Decker - 2 for 1 Downtown + Golden Gate Loops | From $74.50 |
| 2 Hour Sunset Bay Cruise (Open April - October) | From $72.50 | Double Decker - 3 for 1 All Loops: Downtown & Golden Gate Loops plus Night Tour | From $94.50 |
| Double Decker - Downtown Loop | From $54.50 | ||
| Double Decker - Golden Gate Loop | From $49.50 | ||
| FULL DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR PACKAGES | 2 DAY SIGHTSEEING TOUR PACKAGES | ||
| Alcatraz combined with Half Day Sightseeing Tours: | Alcatraz combined with a Full Day Sightseeing Tour on 2nd day: | ||
| San Francisco Deluxe City Tour | From $70.50 | Wine Country Tour | From $89.50 |
| Giant Redwoods and Sausalito Tour | From $72.50 | Wine Country and Muir Giant Redwoods Woods Tour | From $99.50 |
| San Francisco Foreign Language City Tour 6 Languages | From $68.50 | Carmel and Monterey Tour | From $89.50 |
| Segway Guided Waterfront Tour New | From $94.50 | ||
| Segway Guided Night Tour New | From $94.50 | ||
Our great Combo Tours do include the Ferry Ride to Alcatraz and the Audio
Tour of the prison cell house. Reserve online today before you arrive
in the city. Remember: The ferry tickets to Alcatraz sell out weeks
in advance. There are a limited amount of tickets per day. Make sure
you get to see "The Rock" on your trip to San
Francisco. We DO NOT sell individual Alcatraz ferry tickets.
Former federal prison Alcatraz has become a must see activity for visitors to the Bay Area. Use our one stop tour shopping to plan your vacation! You will not be charged a markup on the Alcatraz Tickets PLUS eliminate Wharf parking fees with a hotel pick up for most of our motor coach tours. Plan your entire day here. BOOK EARLY! Alcatraz tours are often sold out over a week in advance!
Tour includes ferry cruise to the infamous and notorious former federal prison.
Also included is an Award-winning audio headset tour in the prison Cell House.
No one can tell the Alcatraz tale like the men who actually lived it.
The award-winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive
through the actual voices of the correctional officers and inmates
who lived on the island during the infamous Federal Penitentiary era.
Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts, "The Battle of '46", food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.
The new Cellhouse Audio Tour is an expanded version of the original award-winning tour and includes new stories, new narrators, and explores new areas of the Cellhouse. The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin.
Alcatraz is one of San Francisco's most popular visitor attractions and its
tours frequently sell out a week or more in advance. Tickets are rarely
available at the Box Office for same-day sailings. The Alcatraz Ferry
departs daily from Pier 33 Fisherman's Wharf in San
Francisco. "TourCorp" is Tour & Sightseeing Company and
we only offer Alcatraz Ferry Tickets as a planning convenience for our
clients. We do not mark up or add any service fees to the
cost of the Alcatraz Tickets. Due to high demand and limited tickets
for the Alcatraz ferry/audio tour- both your Sightseeing Tour and Ferry
reservations are pending until you receive a final confirmation e-mail from us.
Click here for more Frequently Asked Questions
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and Compare Other Website Alcatraz Prices Here
ALCATRAZ TICKET AVAILABILITY:
Remember: Reserve weekend Alcatraz tickets at least 10-14 days in advance. Maximum 8 tickets per order.
BOOK ALCATRAZ EARLY TO GET BEST DEPARTURE TIMES
Very limited tickets are available for May and June weekends.
All Spring and Summer weekend cruises will sell out very early. Book Now to get best departure times!
Alcatraz Cruises depart from PIER 33.
Please indicate on the comments section of the order form if you want your Alcatraz tickets on a later or earlier day or a specific time.
1 DAY COMBINATION TOURS - SEE ALCATRAZ AS PART OF A ONE DAY SIGHTSEEING PACKAGE
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ALCATRAZ FERRY AND DELUXE CITY TOUR |
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Dates and Times:
Daily, 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability.
Hotel
Pick up Available. SF and Airport Area Hotels Your three hour City Tour tour will include three or four scheduled stops of 10-25 minutes each at selected landmarks. Enjoy ample time for photos and exploration at the Golden Gate Bridge and panoramic views from Twin Peaks.(weather permitting) Other memorable stops may include the stunning Palace of Fine Arts, Cliff House overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Ocean Beach and recently restored City Hall. OR Foreign Language City Tour Combo with Alcatraz INFO HERE Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz and the City Tour. You book the City Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Three Hour City Tour & Hotel Pick up | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult/Junior (12-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 46.00 | $ 70.50 |
| Senior (62+) | $ 23.25 | $ 44.00 | $ 67.25 |
| Child (5-11) | $ 15.25 | $ 25.00 | $ 40.25 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free | Free |
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ALCATRAZ FERRY AND MUIR REDWOODS & SAUSALITO TOUR |
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Dates and Times: Daily 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability. Hotel Pick up Available. Duration: Combo Tour - 3 1/2 to 4 hours on the Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours. The 3 1/2 to 4 hour Muir Woods Redwoods National Park & Sausalito tour starts in Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco and heads through the Marina and Presidio National Park to the Golden Gate Bridge. You will have a 10 minute photo stop at the Bridge. From the Golden Gate Bridge vista point you will enjoy spectacular views of San Francisco and the Marin Headlands. The Tour continues North winding along picturesque Highway 1 to Muir Woods. This 550 acre National Monument is home to Coastal Redwoods, some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. Upon arrival you will be given a map and guide of the park showing various trails and routes for a self guided tour. In the park there is a cafe, National Park bookstore and gift shop. You will spend around 1 1/4 hours among these towering trees. After leaving the National Park the tour follows the coastal road towards the city of Sausalito. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz and the Muir Redwoods Tour. You book the Muir Woods Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | 3 1/2 to 4 Hour Muir Redwoods Tour - Includes Hotel Pick up | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (12-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 48.00 | $ 68.50 |
| Senior (62+) | $ 23.25 | $ 46.00 | $ 69.25 |
| Child (5-11) | $ 15.25 | $ 26.00 | $ 41.25 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free | Free |
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Dates and Times: Segway
Daily 9:00 AM April until October. 10:30 AM November - March - Alcatraz
booked as an afternoon departure. The San Francisco Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a Segway Human Transporter. This journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. A city as unique as San Francisco demands a one-of-a-kind way to tour it. And the Segway is the answer! Tours are by reservation only. Reserve Now! Tour Overview: After a 45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway , you'll explore the San Francisco waterfront for over two hours! Advance reservations are required. Tours are limited to nine riders and ages 12 and up are welcome. All tours start on time, so please arrive 15 minutes early. Tours meet at 757 Beach Street at Hyde. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz and the Waterfront Segway Tour. You book the Segway Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Segway Day Tour | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (18-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 70.00 | $ 94.50 |
| Senior (62-65) | $ 23.25 | $ 70.00 | $ 93.25 |
| Juniors (12-17) | $ 13.75 | $ 70.00 | $ 83.75 |
| Children under 12 are not permitted on the Segway Tour. If you are traveling with Children under 12 we suggest the City Tour and Alcatraz Combo. | |||
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Dates and Times: Segway Night
Tour: 4:30 PM Friday and Saturday Nights. November - March or 7:00
PM April -October- Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights. Alcatraz
as an AM Departure - Alcatraz booked as an morning or early afternoon
departure. The San Francisco Nighttime Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a Segway Human Transporter. This nighttime journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. A city as unique as San Francisco demands a one-of-a-kind way to tour it. And the Segway is the answer! Tours are by reservation only. Reserve Now! Tour Overview: After a 35-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, you'll explore the San Francisco at night. Reservations are required. Tours are limited to nine riders and ages 12 and up are welcome. All tours start on time, so please arrive 15 minutes early. Tours meet at 757 Beach Street at Hyde. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz and the 2 Hour Segway Night Tour. You book the Segway Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Segway Night Tour | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (18-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 70.00 | $ 94.50 |
| Senior (62-65) | $ 23.25 | $ 70.00 | $ 93.25 |
| Juniors (12-17) | $ 13.75 | $ 70.00 | $ 83.75 |
| Children under 12 are not permitted on the Segway Tour. If you are traveling with Children under 12 we suggest the City Tour and Alcatraz Combo. | |||
2 DAY COMBINATION TOURS - SEE ALCATRAZ AS PART OF A TWO DAY PACKAGE
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ALCATRAZ FERRY AND WINE COUNTRY TOUR |
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Dates and Times:
Daily, 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability.
Hotel Pick up Available. Tour California's Wine Country - Take in the best of California's world famous premium wine making region. You will be part of a group of 12 people or fewer. This small size tour adds a personal touch and allows more flexibility in winery visits. Deli lunch is included in the tour and is usually eaten at a picnic area in one of the vineyards. Must be 21 for Wine Tasting. The valleys of Napa and Sonoma lie 30 miles north of San Francisco and make up North America's premium wine making region. 1st stop is the Golden Gate Bridge for a 10 minute photo stop. The trip heads North through the rolling hills and scenery of Marin County. Your tour enters the wine country in the southern region of Carneros, just south of Sonoma. You will visit between 3 and 4 wineries in either Sonoma and/or Napa, including both a large vineyard and a smaller boutique winery. Your visit will include winery tours, wine education and some free wine tasting. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz and Wine Country Tour. You book the Wine Country Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Wine Country Tour & Hotel Pick up | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (18-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 65.00 | $ 89.50 |
| Senior (62+) | $ 23.25 | $ 65.00 | $ 88.25 |
| Juniors (12-17) | $ 24.50 | $ 65.00 | $ 89.50 |
| Child (5-11) | $ 15.25 | $ 49.00 | $ 64.25 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free | Free |
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ALCATRAZ FERRY PLUS MUIR WOODS AND WINE COUNTRY TOUR |
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Dates and Times:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday or Sunday 9:00 AM. Alcatraz
Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability. Hotel
Pick up Available. Muir Woods and Wine Country: The ONLY tour combining the two most popular destinations outside of San Francisco ! Groups no larger than 15 make this a great way to travel. The 8 hour Muir Woods National Park & Wine Country Tour starts in San Francisco and heads north to an extended stop in Muir Woods National Monument. We make a stop for light lunch and touring in the town of Sonoma (lunch cost not included) The afternoon is spent in Sonoma Valley for Wine tasting at 2-3 vineyards and then back through Sausalito and returning to San Francisco. Must be 21 for Wine Tasting. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz Ferry and the Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour & Hotel Pick up | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (18-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 75.00 | $ 99.50 |
| Senior (62+) | $ 23.25 | $ 75.00 | $ 98.25 |
| Juniors (12-17) | $ 24.50 | $ 75.00 | $ 99.50 |
| Child (5-11) | $ 15.25 | $ 65.00 | $ 80.25 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free | Free |
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ALCATRAZ FERRY AND MONTEREY AND CARMEL TOUR |
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Dates and Times: Monday,
Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday- 9:00 AM Alcatraz Ferry time
will be confirmed based on availability. Hotel
Pick up Available. California has one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. Our route South on Highway 1 travels through the beach town of Santa Cruz. Every turn features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops on the tour include: Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, the gallery and restaurant district of Carmel-by-the-Sea and spectacular vistas along the 17 Mile Drive tm including Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Lone Cypress, Your tour returns through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the world. Rates are a combination of the published retail prices for Alcatraz Ferry and the Monterey Carmel Tour. You book the Monterey Tour and we book the 2nd Alcatraz reservation for you. |
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| Guest | Ferry & Audio Tour | Monterey and Carmel Tour & Hotel Pick up | YOU PAY: Combination Total |
| Adult (18-61) | $ 24.50 | $ 65.00 | $ 89.50 |
| Senior (62+) | $ 23.25 | $ 65.00 | $ 88.25 |
| Juniors (12-17) | $ 24.50 | $ 65.00 | $ 89.50 |
| Child (5-11) | $ 15.25 | $ 45.00 | $ 60.25 |
| Child (Under 5) | Free | Free | Free |
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND GENERAL TOUR INFO
Cruise
aboard the Alcatraz Ferry to the infamous and notorious former federal
prison - home to the likes of Al Capone, George "Machine Gun"
Kelley, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. The National Park presents
a captioned orientation video with historical footage, self-guided walks,
exhibits and Ranger-interpretive talks on topics such as "Famous
Escapes." Also included is an Award-winning audio headset tour in
the prison Cell House with actual interviews of former guards and inmates
- available in six languages - English, French, German, Italian, Japanese
and Spanish.
After a short 10 minute ferry ride from Pier 33 (new point of departure) across San Francisco Bay you will arrive on the infamous Alcatraz Island. The tour includes a movie of Alcatraz history and a 35 minute audio headset tour of an Alcatraz cell block. This audio tour is available in 6 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.
To reach the Cell House, you must walk up a steep hill. In addition to the famous prison, Alcatraz features some of the most spectacular views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge from the beautifully landscaped Agave Trail.
Please
note that the walk to the Alcatraz Cell house is on steep, uneven pavement.
SEAT (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) is available for wheelchair
users and visitors unable to walk to quarter mile, 12% upgrade. No animals
(except certified service animals) are allowed on Alcatraz Island. After
the tour there is time to visit the Alcatraz Museum, the bookshop and
explore the island. Stay as long as you like – ferries depart every
1/2 hour back to San Francisco. Average time spent on Alcatraz is 1 1/2
- 3 hours.
Alcatraz is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The ferry service is a concessionaire of the National Park Service. TourCorp is not affiliated with the ferry service, Alcatraz or the National Park Service.
Confirmation & Travel Vouchers By ordering one of these combination ferry and tours your authorize "TourCorp" to purchase Alcatraz Ferry tickets from Alcatraz Cruises for your use. You will receive two separate confirmations and two credit card charges.
IMPORTANT: ALCATRAZ FERRY AND AUDIO TOUR: ALL ALCATRAZ SALES ARE FINAL The National Park Pass is not applicable to the Alcatraz Tour. No exchanges, refunds or cancellations. You may purchase a maximum of 8 tickets on the web for Alcatraz. Alcatraz is a National Park and does not offer any refunds or discounts.
For every confirmed booking you will receive 2 E-Mails with your E-Ticket Vouchers - when both parts of your combo tour booking are confirmed.
Please present the 1st E-Ticket voucher at the Box Office/ Tour Office/Tour Driver for your Cruise or Tour. The 2nd e-mail will be your voucher for the Alcatraz Ferry Reservation. Your Alcatraz Tickets will be held at Pre-Paid Will Call at the Alcatraz Cruises terminal at Pier 33. When you present your Alcatraz voucher, picture ID, reservation confirmation number and/or credit card used on the reservation transaction the boarding tickets are issued. Be sure to show up 30 to 45 minutes before your cruise time! Alcatraz tickets may not be picked up prior to the tour date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Why will I receive two orders ? Why isn't the Alcatraz cost on my 1st order ?
A. We will send your order confirmation in 2 separate emails: 1 for your Tour - booked with the Sightseeing Tour or Bay Cruise Company and a second for Alcatraz Ferry. Your 1st tour order will not included the Alcatraz ticket cost. The Alcatraz Ferry and Audio tour ticket is run as a separate order and credit card transaction.
Q. Why is there a confirmation delay between the two orders.
The 2 orders are confirmed by 2 different companies. We put the orders through both systems as fast as they are placed. Do not assume that your Alcatraz part of your combination ticket is booked until you receive the Alcatraz "print at home" ticket.
Q. Why can't I buy only an Alcatraz Ticket from your company ?
We book Alcatraz tickets (with no markup or service fees) as a service for our customers. We are in the Sightseeing sales business and want you to enjoy one of our many tour and activities in addition to visiting Alcatraz. Compare and Save: See and Compare Other Website Alcatraz Prices Here
Q: How do I reserve my tickets? I need some instructions.
You select and reserve your sightseeing tour or cruise online. We will reserve your Alcatraz ferry and audio tour tickets for you. You will receive 2 different email "print at home" tickets. The 1st "print at home" ticket is for your sightseeing tour or cruise. The second "print at home ticket: is for the the Alcatraz Ferry and Audio tour. Your Alcatraz Ferry and Tour is NOT confirmed until you receive the Alcatraz "print at home" ticket via e-mail. Alcatraz is based on availability. Do not assume that your Alcatraz part of your combination ticket is booked until you receive the Alcatraz "print at home" ticket.
MORE GREAT ALCATRAZ INFORMATION AND HISTORY
Alcatraz Island sits isolated amidst the cold winds of the bay. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named this foreboding rock for the pelicans nesting there. This infamous island, the subject of legend, lore and a few Hollywood movies, once held scores of prisoners incarcerated above its cliffs.... more
BRIEF ALCATRAZ HISTORY
PRISON First used as a prison by the U.S. Army during the Civil War, "The Rock" became a maximum security penitentiary in 1934, during the post-Prohibition, post-Depression America. Federal officials talked about creating a special prison for kidnappers, racketeers, and individuals guilty of predatory crimes. In fact, the public peace seemed constantly threatened by crime - and Alcatraz seemed to be the ideal response to that threat.
©2002 B. HuberAt first, Alcatraz was somewhat of an experiment. Prisoners from other institutions who were especially difficult to manage were sent here. This type of segregation had never been practiced before, but it worked well enough to serve as a model for the federal prison located in Marion, Illinois.
Though Alcatraz is thought to have housed many notorious criminals, only a handful of truly famous names did time on this harsh island. Mobster Al Capone, bank robber Leon "Whitey" Thompson, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and the "Birdman of Alcatraz," Robert Stroud (who, by the way, was not permitted to continue his avian studies during his 17 years on the island). Numerous escapes (36 to be exact) were attempted, though there is no evidence that anyone ever made it through the icy, shark-infested waters to freedom.
The prison closed in 1964 due to prohibitive operating costs.
NATIVE
AMERICAN OCCUPATION
Prior to the coming of the Spanish and Portuguese explorers, over 10,000
indigenous people, later to be called the Ohlone (a Miwok Indian word
meaning "western people"), lived in the coastal area between
Point Sur and the San Francisco Bay. Native American oral histories suggest
that tribal members were isolated or ostracized on Alcatraz when they
violated a tribal law or taboo. Other stories cite the island's use as
a camping spot, an area for gathering foods, especially bird eggs and
sea-life, and a hiding place for many Indians attempting to escape from
the California Mission system.
On November 9, 1969, Richard Oakes, a Mohawk Indian, and a group of Indian supporters set out in a chartered boat, the Monte Cristo, to symbolically claim the island for the Indian people. On November 20, 1969, this symbolic occupation turned into a full scale occupation which lasted until June 11, 1971.
The Indians' demands were clear: they wanted the deed to the island, and they wanted to establish an Indian university, a cultural center, and a museum. The government refused to negotiate and insisted that they leave the island. By early 1970, the Indian's organization on the island began to disintegrate to such a point that Oakes left the island. After many months of declining leadership on the island and government attempts to oust the Native Americans and the growing drug culture, President Nixon gave the go ahead to develop a removal plan -- to take place when the smallest number of people were on the island and to use as little force as possible.
On June 10, 1971, the occupation ended. Shortly thereafter, the official government policy of termination of Indian tribes was ended and a policy of Indian self-determination became the official US government policy.
ALCATRAZ TODAY
The National Park Service administers Alcatraz Island as a unit of the Golden Gate
National Recreation Area (GGNRA). A variety of tours of the island are offered -
for more information, visit www.nps.gov/alcatraz/
See the West Coast's first, and oldest operating, lighthouse and enjoy the island's
many natural features - gardens, tide pools, bird colonies, and breathtaking bay views.
Be sure to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a jacket.
Take a quick Virtual Tour
with our online Slide Show.
If Alcatraz is Sold Out or you will be visiting Fisherman's Wharf, buy a
Wharf Pass.
Save with this One Low Price Admission Pass to the best Wharf Attractions,
Tours and Cruises.
Updated 01-08-07 Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-08 All Rights Reserved
TOUR INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS 415-474-9855
TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS 877-474-3127
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Copyright 1996-2007 Mapwest, Inc. All rights reserved. No use of images or text without written permission.


COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND DELUXE CITY TOUR
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND MUIR REDWOODS & SAUSALITO TOUR
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND 1 HOUR GOLDEN GATE BAY CRUISE -2 GREAT ACTIVITIES
ON THE BAY !
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND 2 HOUR CALIFORNIA SUNSET CRUISE - 2 GREAT ACTIVITIES
ON THE BAY !
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND HOP ON HOP OFF DOUBLE DECKER BUS DOWNTOWN LOOP
TOUR
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND WINE COUNTRY TOUR
COMBO
ALCATRAZ FERRY AND MONTEREY AND CARMEL TOUR