4/50.- San Francisco, Alcatraz Island

Farther on, the ferry takes us around Alcatraz Island which is only one mile from shore. Named after the birds that inhabited it (alcatraz is Spanish for pelican), this island is also known as the Rock. During the American Civil War it was a military fortress for harbor defense, then a military prison. From 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz became a maximum security prison for Mafia criminals. If you like to visit the Rock, take a White and Red Fleet ferry from Pier 41 or 43 at Fisherman's Wharf. Evening cruises offering escorted tours and the Alcatraz Cellhouse audio tour would be probably the most exciting.

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