Alcatraz Island, otherwise known as "The Rock," became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972, and is currently managed by the National Park Service. It is a rocky island off the coast of San Francisco and has a unique history.

In 1775, the Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named the island La Isla de los Alcatraces, which means "island of the pelicans." This small, uninhabited island surrounded by swift currents seemed to have little to offer. In 1847, the United States Military noticed the island's value as a military fortification and began construction on the military structure and the first operating lighthouse on the west coast. The fortress of Alcatraz was never needed and in 1861, it began receiving prisoners from the Civil War. Alcatraz Island operated as a military prison until the Great Depression during the 1920s and 1930s. In response to the wave of organized crime, "The Rock" became a national penitentiary and housed criminals such as Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly. In 1963, the prison was closed due to high maintenance costs and budget cuts. Six years later, the island was claimed by American Indians who succeded in raising media and government attention. However, loss of social organization and increasing conflict resulted in the removal of all residents.

Today, Alcatraz Island is recognized as an ecological reserve. Its isolation from the mainland and lack of natural predators make it a valuable nesting ground for birds. Furthermore, some fauna and flora are unique to the island. The presence of concrete has favored a lighter colored deer mouse that can not be found elsewhere.

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