Alcatraz
Alcatraz. The infamous prison known as The Rock. Who knows what evil and suffering that place has known? Could there be a better home for a ghost?
History
The island of Alcatraz lies in San Fransisco Bay, Ca. It was first discovered by Europeans in the 18th century and initially called Alcatraces after the brown pelican seen in the area. Following the start of the California gold rush a lighthouse was built on the island in 1854. In 1859 the army built a fort there and during the civil war it was used to house deserters and Confederate sympathisers. A permanent military prison was established in 1868, this being replaced by new buildings some 40 years later.Civilians were first held at the prison following a 1906 earthquake that destroyed much of San Fransisco. In 1934 the Federal Bureau of Prisons formally took control of the Alcatraz penitentiary which was used to house the most dangerous and violent prisoners.
Alcatraz prison was closed in 1963 and was replaced by a new prison in Illinois.
Ghosts of the Rock
The inhabitants of Alcatraz penitentiary included some of the worst examples of humanity - and the conditions in which they were held were equally unpleasant. Many died in the prison or whilst trying to escape, others lost their sanity. There are many tales of their spirits returning to haunt the prison.One of the most famous ghosts is said to be that of Al Capone. Capone was kept at Alcatraz towards the end of his life and would play his banjo in the shower room. Years after his death there have been reports of ghostly banjo music coming from the empty shower.
A utility corridor was the scene of the deaths of inmates Coy, Cretzer and Hubbard - killed by a hail of bullets and hand grenades after a failed escape attempts. Their ghosts are said to be active and still haunt the area.
As well as these famous hauntings, Alcatraz appears to be home to numerous minor ghosts. Unexplained sightings and noises such as sobbing are commonplace, especially in cellblocks A and B. The smell of smoke when there is no fire and the presence of unexplained cold spots are some of the other supernatural activites that have been reported.
Anyone visiting Alcatraz is likely to feel the place's strange atmosphere. Psychics can in some cases go further and identify the exact location and nature of previous events and possibly even the identity of the ghosts associated with them.
It seems that even in death there is no escape for those condemned to Alcatraz island.
Tourism
Few inmates of Alcatraz prison could ever have expected that their despised "home" would one day become a tourist attraction. Yet today many people enjoy cruises in the area, perhaps taking a ferry trip to the island itself for a tour of the penitentiary. There are also combined evening tours of both Alcatraz and Angel Island available.As well as the tour of the prison, visitors to Alcatraz can enjoy wonderful Bay views and island is also a sanctuary for seabirds.
Tickets for Alcatraz tours frequently sell out quickly and the National Park Service recommends that you book your ticket well in advance rather than trying to buy on the day.