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alcatraz
Alcatraz Island, often called "The Rock," served as a military prison during the Civil War and later as a federal penitentiary. The prison's location on the edge of cold, turbulent seas makes escape nearly impossible. Famous prisoners, including Robert Stroud, who received the nickname "Bird of Alcatraz", became a real mystic of the island.
In 1963, the prison was closed and Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, the site attracts visitors who explore the prison cells, hear stories of escape attempts, and appreciate the island's diverse history. In addition, Alcatraz has the oldest working lighthouse on the West Coast and serves as a nesting site for seabirds.