Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), kitengo cha National Park Service, ilianzishwa na Congress mwaka 1972 kama sehemu ya mwenendo wa kufanya rasilimali za hifadhi ya taifa kupatikana zaidi kwa wakazi wa mijini na kuleta "parks kwa watu." Alcatraz Island ilikuwa ni pamoja na kama sehemu ya hii mpya National Park Service kitengo kwa sababu ya kipekee yake ya asili rasilimali na historia ya binadamu, kufungua kwa umma juu ya Oktoba 25, 1973.

Alcatraz ni marudio maarufu

Zaidi ya miaka 45 iliyopita, Alcatraz imekuwa moja ya maeneo maarufu zaidi ya wageni duniani, kuvutia zaidi ya watu milioni 1.7 kutoka duniani kote kila mwaka ambao huja "kukutana" baadhi ya wahalifu ngumu zaidi wa Marekani jicho-kwa-jicho.

Kabla ya 1973, wageni walikuwa kamwe kuruhusiwa katika kisiwa kabla na majibu ilikuwa kubwa - zaidi ya watu 50,000 alitembelea Alcatraz wakati wa mwaka wa kwanza ilikuwa wazi. Wanahistoria wanakadiria kuwa hii ilikuwa ni watu wengi zaidi kuliko ilivyokuwa imekanyaga kisiwa hicho wakati wa historia yake yote ya awali iliyorekodiwa.

Historia ya Alcatraz

Historia ya Alcatraz ni kubwa. Mbali na makazi baadhi ya wahalifu mbaya zaidi nchini, Alcatraz imekuwa mazingira muhimu kabla na baada ya maisha yake kama gereza. Gereza la kwanza katika kisiwa hicho lilianzishwa mwishoni mwa miaka ya 1850, wakati Jeshi la Marekani liliwashikilia wafungwa wa kijeshi wakati wa Vita vya wenyewe kwa wenyewe vya Marekani na Vita vya Amerika na Hispania. Mwanzoni mwa miaka ya 1900, gereza jipya lilijengwa. Gereza la seli 600, ambalo linajulikana leo kama Alcatraz , lilikamilika katika 1912. Alcatraz akawa gereza la usalama wa juu juu ya Julai 1, 1934, na makazi baadhi ya wafungwa wengi mbaya kama Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, na Alvin "Creepy Karpis" Karpowicz. Wamarekani wa asili hurudi kila Oktoba na Novemba kufanya sherehe ya jua kukumbuka kazi yao ya 1969 ya gereza la zamani. Baadhi ya ukweli mwingine mzuri:

• Alcatraz Lighthouse, kongwe katika magharibi, bado anatuma boriti yake
• Kisiwa hicho kinachukuliwa kuwa hifadhi ya kiikolojia, na mara moja ilikuwa nyumbani kwa moja ya makoloni makubwa ya Brown Pelicans kwenye pwani ya kaskazini ya California.
• Kisiwa cha foghorn bado kutuma nje yake koo kunguruma kama majira ya joto ukungu kutambaa katika kupitia Golden Gate cloak Alcatraz Island katika ukungu na siri

Huduma ya Hifadhi ya Taifa

National Park Service (NPS) ni shirika la shirikisho ndani ya Idara ya Mambo ya Ndani ya Marekani inayoshtakiwa kwa kusimamia uhifadhi na matumizi ya umma ya hazina muhimu zaidi za asili, za kihistoria, za kihistoria na kitamaduni. NPS inasimamia Hifadhi za Taifa za Golden Gate pamoja na maeneo mengine ya hifadhi ya 394 kote Marekani. Kwa habari zaidi tembelea Huduma ya Hifadhi ya Taifa - Tovuti ya Golden Gate.

Tembelea kisiwa na Alcatraz City Cruises

Unaweza kuchunguza kipande cha historia na Alcatraz City Cruises! Kuna chaguzi nyingi za ziara za kuchagua kutoka, ambayo inamaanisha kuna kitu kwa kila mtu! Wakati uzoefu wote unapaswa kuwa juu ya itinerary yako, favorites wanandoa ni pamoja na Alcatraz Nyuma ya ziara ya matukio, ambapo wageni watakuwa na uwezo wa kuona maeneo ya gereza ambayo ni vinginevyo si inapatikana kwa umma. Hii 4-5-saa ziara itachukua wewe wote kuzunguka maeneo ya mbali-limit, kabla ya kujiunga na Alcatraz Usiku Tour. Katika ziara ya usiku, utapata nafasi ya kufurahia jua kutoka kisiwa, wakati pia uzoefu moods wengi, ziara ya kipekee, na shughuli za Alcatraz baada ya giza.

Alcatraz City Cruises ni heshima ya kutambuliwa kama "Best Boat Tours" na wataalam wa jarida la Newsweek na wachangiaji na kupiga kura na wasomaji kama bora zaidi!

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.

Tarehe ya Posta ya awali: Oktoba 25, 2018