Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Alcatraz Island, San Francisco Bay, California

Alcatraz Island
San Francisco Bay

Western Shore, US Penitentiary Alcatraz, ca. 1950
During the island's years as a federal prison (1934 - 1963), many escapees headed for its rocky western shoreline, from which they would launch themselves toward the glittering lights of San Francisco, and freedom.  

This postcard is postmarked in 2014 and has an ink stamp on the back from Alcatraz featuring a pelican with the words, 'Alcatraz is Spanish for "pelican".  (see the photo below)
Here are a few more postcards....
San Francisco, California
Alcatraz Island showing San Francisco in the background 
Photo: Steve August

This one is postmarked in 1999.
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Alcatraz Island San Francisco Bay
California

Once a federal prison for notorious criminals, the island is now part of the National Park System, and can be visited on tours leaving from Fisherman's Wharf. 
Photos by Ken Glaser, Jr. in 1988 

2 comments:

ONeal said...

Great cards. Really like that pelican stamp! Have been to Alcatraz for the tour, would love to go again someday.

Postcard Blogger said...

I've been to California, but not here. This is one more place on a VERY long list that I would like to visit. A short visit though - not 5 to 10 years. ;-)