Blogpost No.7: National Park

It was one of my bucket list to visit America. Not only for the four seasons, a different culture but also the great sights. However, it never occurred to me that an abandoned prison is also a tourist’s choice destination.  I’m not sure if it’s going to be my idea of a fun, once in a lifetime holiday.

Maybe it was the dark mystique that the most notorious criminals in America brought to Alcatraz that draw tourist to the island.  The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's popularity.  It is still known today as one of the world's most legendary prisons.

In one article I came across entitled "Alcatraz Day Tour" in alcatraztrips. In this article it discusses that  Alcatraz federal prison has been converted to a tourist destination since its closing in 1963.  It actually is a top earner of the San Francisco Bay area having over one million visitors every year.  Visiting the island is actually free but the ferry to the island cost in a range of $27-38 per person. Visitors can get an audio guided tour and see the prison cell, the Hole, the block D, maybe feel some of the ghosts and then wander around the island for as long as one wants.

According to the author of Brighter Images. "Today Alcatraz is San Francisco's most popular tourist attraction, about a million people visit the island each year, but for 30 years it was the most infamous prison in the country." 

I still cannot understand why a place where the suffering of many human being had taken place is now a most popular tourist spot in the San Francisco Bay area.  Maybe people just want to confirm what they just saw and heard.  Given the chance, maybe I will try the tour.  After all, it has quite an interesting history.  At least I can see and confirm for myself what I have spent a lot of time researching.  

Another article that I can relate to is entitled "Fauna and Flora". In this article it  discusses what happened to the flora and fauna of the island after the American Indians left the area .  Apparently, there was a garden that was cultivated by the families of prison officers.  The untended gardens had become severely overgrown and had developed into a nesting habitat and sanctuary for numerous birds. When, volunteer workers were cleaning up the garden, they found that many of the original plants were growing where they had been planted – some more than 100 years ago.  Alcatraz is now home to rare flowers and plants, marine wildlife, and thousands of roosting and nesting sea birds .

According to the author "Gardens planted by families of the original Army post, and later by families of the prison guards, fell into neglect after the prison closure in 1963. After 40 years, they are being restored by a paid staff member and many volunteers, thanks to funding by the Garden Conservancy and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.  Now, areas of bird habitat are being preserved and protected, while many of the gardens are being restored to their original state" 

Reading this article, I find it quite interesting that not only was it a prison before, but if you go to Alcatraz Island today, you will  encounter thousands of seabirds nesting. It's also quite interesting to know that Alcatraz Island protect these wild life animals . Now the island is also home to  rare  flowers and plants in a beautiful garden. 

From a federal prison to a tourist spot, Alcatraz Island is really an icon. I've never imagined a federal prison could turn into a famous tourist spot with rare plants planted and protected wild life

After reading all the articles I needed to make this blog, I have learned few facts about Alcatraz. It is truly an amazing island.  I'm not surprised anymore that people travel thousands of miles to see this icon. Those who have the opportunity to visit the island, it's worth their time and money because the history that the island carry is just amazing.