Nothing. Prior to 1854, it was a nesting ground for seagulls. This is why the island was first named La isla de los Alcatraces meaning the island of the pelicans.
Around 1854
Alcatraz was used as a prison.
The first lighthouse on Alcatraz was opened on June 1, 1854 and operated until it was replaced in 1909. The reason being that the lighthouse was too short to shine over the main prison building. The second lighthouse, 84 feet tall, was then built to replace it.
In the 1930's
a tourist attraction
tourist attraction
Alcatraz is no longer actively used as a prison. It is still kept as a historical tourist destination. Tours are done here daily.
It was last used in the 1930's
No. It closed in 1963
No it closed in 1963
Alcatraz.
Alcatraz was originally used as a federal prison from the year 1933 to 1963. In the 1970's, there was a huge wave of protests from Aboriginals. In the year 1986, Alcatraz became a National Historic Landmark.