Kawasan Rekreasi Negara Golden Gate (GGNRA), sebuah unit Perkhidmatan Taman Negara, telah ditubuhkan oleh Kongres pada tahun 1972 sebagai sebahagian daripada trend untuk menjadikan sumber taman negara lebih mudah diakses oleh penduduk bandar dan membawa "taman kepada rakyat." Pulau Alcatraz telah dimasukkan sebagai sebahagian daripada unit Perkhidmatan Taman Negara baharu ini kerana sumber semula jadi dan sejarah manusianya yang unik, dibuka kepada orang ramai pada 25 Oktober 1973.

Alcatraz ialah Destinasi Popular

Sepanjang 45 tahun yang lalu, Alcatraz telah menjadi salah satu destinasi pelawat paling popular di dunia, menarik lebih daripada 1.7 juta orang dari seluruh dunia setiap tahun yang datang "untuk bertemu" dengan beberapa penjenayah paling sukar di Amerika secara bersemuka.

Sebelum tahun 1973, pelawat tidak pernah dibenarkan di Pulau itu sebelum ini dan sambutannya sangat menggalakkan – lebih daripada 50,000 orang melawat Alcatraz pada tahun pertama ia dibuka. Ahli sejarah menganggarkan ini adalah lebih ramai orang daripada yang telah menjejakkan kaki di Pulau itu sepanjang sejarah yang direkodkan sebelum ini.

Sejarah Alcatraz

Sejarah Alcatraz adalah estensif. Selain menempatkan beberapa penjenayah paling terkenal di negara ini, Alcatraz telah menjadi persekitaran penting sebelum dan selepas kehidupan sebagai penjara. Penjara pertama di pulau itu ditubuhkan pada akhir 1850-an, apabila Tentera AS pada asalnya menahan tahanan tentera semasa Perang Saudara Amerika dan Perang Sepanyol-Amerika. Pada awal 1900-an, sebuah penjara baru telah dibina. Penjara 600 sel, yang kini dikenali sebagai Alcatraz, telah siap pada tahun 1912. Alcatraz menjadi penjara keselamatan maksimum pada 1 Julai 1934, dan menempatkan beberapa banduan yang paling terkenal seperti Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, dan Alvin "Creepy Karpis" Karpowicz. Orang asli Amerika kembali setiap Oktober dan November untuk mengadakan upacara matahari terbit memperingati pendudukan mereka pada tahun 1969 di bekas penjara itu. Beberapa fakta menarik lain:

• Rumah Api Alcatraz, tertua di barat, masih menghantar pancarannya
• Pulau ini dianggap sebagai pemuliharaan ekologi, dan pernah menjadi rumah kepada salah satu koloni terbesar Brown Pelicans di pantai utara California
• Kabus Pulau itu masih mengeluarkan raungan tekaknya ketika kabus musim panas merayap masuk melalui Golden Gate untuk menyelubungi Pulau Alcatraz dalam kabus dan misteri

Perkhidmatan Taman Negara

Perkhidmatan Taman Negara (NPS) ialah agensi persekutuan dalam Jabatan Dalam Negeri AS yang bertanggungjawab menguruskan pemeliharaan dan penggunaan awam khazanah semula jadi, pemandangan, sejarah dan budaya yang paling penting di Amerika. NPS menguruskan Taman Negara Golden Gate serta 394 tapak taman lain di seluruh AS Untuk maklumat lanjut, lawati laman web Perkhidmatan Taman Negara – Golden Gate.

Lawati Pulau dengan Pelayaran Bandar Alcatraz

Anda boleh meneroka sekeping sejarah dengan Alcatraz City Cruises! Terdapat pelbagai pilihan lawatan untuk dipilih, yang bermaksud ada sesuatu untuk semua orang! Walaupun semua pengalaman harus ada dalam jadual perjalanan anda, beberapa kegemaran termasuk Lawatan Di Belakang Tabir Alcatraz, di mana pelawat akan dapat melihat kawasan penjara yang sebaliknya tidak tersedia kepada orang ramai. Lawatan selama 4-5 jam ini akan membawa anda mengelilingi kawasan terlarang, sebelum menyertai Lawatan Malam Alcatraz. Pada lawatan malam, anda akan berpeluang menikmati matahari terbenam dari pulau itu, sambil turut mengalami banyak mood, lawatan eksklusif dan aktiviti Alcatraz selepas gelap.

Alcatraz City Cruises berbesar hati untuk diiktiraf sebagai "Lawatan Bot Terbaik" oleh ahli panel dan penyumbang pakar Majalah Newsweek dan diundi oleh pembaca sebagai yang terbaik daripada yang terbaik!

FAQs – The History of Alcatraz as a National Park

When did Alcatraz become a national park?

Alcatraz Island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). It was opened to the public in 1973, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and natural beauty.

How do I book a tour to visit Alcatraz Island?

To visit Alcatraz Island, book your tour through Alcatraz City Cruises, the official authorized concessioner for ferry transportation to the island. It’s recommended to book tickets well in advance, as tours often sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons.

Why is Alcatraz Island historically significant?

Alcatraz Island has a rich and complex history spanning multiple eras:

• Military Fortification (1850s–1907): Originally used as a U.S. military outpost and fortress to protect San Francisco Bay.
• Military Prison (1907–1933): Alcatraz served as a military prison for Confederate soldiers, Native American dissidents, and U.S. military offenders.
• Federal Penitentiary (1934–1963): Perhaps its most famous chapter, Alcatraz operated as a maximum-security federal prison housing some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert “Birdman” Stroud.
• Native American Occupation (1969–1971): Alcatraz became the site of a 19-month-long occupation by Native American activists, led by the group Indians of All Tribes, advocating for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

Why did Alcatraz close as a prison?

Alcatraz Prison closed in 1963 due to rising operational costs and deteriorating facilities. It was expensive to maintain because of its isolated location, and the cost of transporting supplies and personnel proved unsustainable for the government.

What role did Alcatraz play during the Native American Occupation?

From November 1969 to June 1971, Alcatraz Island was occupied by the group Indians of All Tribes in a peaceful protest aimed at reclaiming Native lands and raising awareness about Indigenous rights. The occupation helped ignite the modern Native American civil rights movement and left a lasting impact on U.S. policies toward Indigenous communities.

What can visitors see today at Alcatraz National Park?

Visitors can explore several historical sites and landmarks, including:

• The Main Cellhouse, where notorious inmates were once held.
• The Warden’s House and Lighthouse provides a glimpse of life for those who worked on the island.
• Ruins of the Guardhouse and Barracks from the military era.
• Interpretive exhibits about the Native American Occupation and Alcatraz’s diverse history.
• Breathtaking views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and Bay Area from multiple vantage points.

Is the Alcatraz Island tour self-guided or guided?

Alcatraz City Cruises offers a self-guided audio tour called “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour,” which takes visitors through the prison and provides powerful stories from former inmates and guards. For those interested in a deeper experience, the Behind-the-Scenes Tour includes guided tours to restricted areas and additional historical insights.

Are there any events or exhibits dedicated to Alcatraz’s history?

Yes, the National Park Service regularly hosts special exhibits, educational programs, and commemorative events highlighting various aspects of Alcatraz’s history, including its role as a federal prison, a site of Native American activism, and its unique ecosystem.

How has nature reclaimed Alcatraz Island?

Since becoming part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Alcatraz has become a sanctuary for seabirds and marine life. The island is home to numerous bird species such as cormorants, gulls, and egrets, and the surrounding waters provide a habitat for diverse marine ecosystems.

How long does the Alcatraz tour take?

Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours exploring Alcatraz Island, including taking the self-guided audio tour and visiting other historical landmarks. However, you are free to stay as long as you like and catch any return ferry to Pier 33.

Is Alcatraz Island accessible to all visitors?

Yes, Alcatraz Island is committed to accessibility. The S.E.A.T. (Sustainable Easy Access Transport) Tram provides transportation for visitors with mobility challenges, and the main areas, including the cellhouse and exhibits, are wheelchair accessible.

Can I explore Alcatraz at night?

Yes, Alcatraz City Cruises offers an Alcatraz Night Tour, which provides a unique and atmospheric experience with special programs, narrated tours, and stunning sunset views of the bay.

Are there any movies or shows about Alcatraz’s history?

Yes, Alcatraz’s storied past has inspired numerous movies and documentaries, including:

• “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979) – Based on the real-life 1962 escape attempt.
• “The Rock” (1996) – An action-thriller set on Alcatraz Island.
• Several documentaries explore its fascinating history, including its role as a prison and site of activism.

Can I volunteer or get involved in Alcatraz National Park programs?

Yes, the National Park Service offers volunteer opportunities, educational outreach, and conservation efforts that allow individuals to get involved in preserving Alcatraz Island and its history.

Tarikh Siaran Asal: Oktober 25, 2018