Cultural Expansion: Visiting and Completing the Interactive Walking Tour of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Class of 2027

During my visit to Alcatraz Island, I participated in an interactive walking tour of the former federal penitentiary—one of the most infamous prisons in American history. Located in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz operated as a maximum-security federal prison from 1934 to 1963. It was designed to hold some of the nation’s most dangerous and notorious criminals, including Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” The tour offered a vivid look into the daily lives of prisoners and guards. I walked through cell blocks, solitary confinement chambers, and the dining hall while listening to real audio recordings from former inmates and correctional officers. The stories revealed how isolation and strict discipline defined life on “The Rock,” yet also how moments of humanity and resilience persisted within those walls. Beyond its history as a prison, Alcatraz also became a symbol of protest and reform. I learned about the 1969 Native American occupation of the island, a powerful demonstration for Indigenous rights that helped inspire future activism movements. Visiting Alcatraz deepened my understanding of the intersection between justice, punishment, and reform—key themes in both my political science studies and legal aspirations. The experience challenged me to reflect on how the criminal justice system has evolved and how its past continues to shape conversations about equity and human rights today. I am pictured on the ferry entering the island with the historic cellhouse in the background.

By Autumn G. Gary