Shivering. That’s how the wind felt on Little Alcatraz. A tiny rock barely visible from Alcatraz Island itself. It’s a place steeped in history. More than just a rocky outcrop in the San Francisco Bay.
Little Alcatraz is more than its name suggests. It’s a silent witness to maritime mishaps. The steamer Paul Pry struck it in 1862. Some 150 men were on board. A much larger ship the Oliver Cutts met a similar fate in 1868. It sank. Even today small boats hit the submerged rock at high tide.
Little Alcatraz played a role in the infamous Alcatraz escapes. In 1962 Darl Lee Parker ended up there after a failed attempt. He couldn’t swim. He was found clinging to the rock. A stark reminder of the desperate measures taken. The unforgiving waters surrounding Alcatraz and Little Alcatraz.
Interestingly some members of the South End Rowing Club call a different location Little Alcatraz. A pier west of Municipal Pier. This pier was crucial for transporting goods and prisoners to Alcatraz. Connecting the prison to the mainland. It served as a vital link in the complex system that supported the island prison.
Brandt’s cormorants often rest on Little Alcatraz. They add a touch of wildness to this small piece of land. A stark contrast to the harsh history associated with this spot. The birds are completely oblivious to the stories hidden beneath the waves.
Little Alcatraz. A small rock with a big story. A story of shipwrecks. A story of daring escapes. A story of a vital connection to Alcatraz Island itself. It is a silent testament to the forces of nature and human drama. A place well worth remembering.