With the fall upon us, it might be a little chilly for some people to tour America’s colder states. Because of this, many people will fall back on some warmer options, such as California. Making the decision to take a tour of California will likely have you embarking on some of the nation’s more glamorous locales, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego. But to truly appreciate what the state has to offer, a package tour of California is the best option.

Since it first became a state back in 1850 after being flooded by the Gold Rush in 1849, California has gone through a multitude of changes that have ultimately made it home to more than 34 million people through the tremendous state. And amongst the most interesting areas to take a tour of California are its many state and national parks and monuments. Among the most interesting of these is Alcatraz, the former prison located in the San Francisco Bay that once was home to some of the country’s most notorious criminals. Check out some interesting facts about this amazing facility below:

The island got its name from Spanish explorer Jose Canizares who gave it the name "La Isla de los Alcatraces" in 1775 for its large population of black cormorants (alcatraceo).

The island’s only non-feathered inhabitants (along with banana slugs and salamanders) are deer mice, which are believed to have gotten there by swimming across the bay.

In 1854, work began to build a new military fort on Alcatraz. Among the additions were a 23,000 gallon water tank and soil that was hauled from Angel Island to plant trees and shrubs on the otherwise-barren island.

Even though the island never fired a shot during combat, it contained three 50,000 pound cannons and enough guns to simultaneously fire 6.949 pounds of ammunition.

Alcatraz saw its first official prisoners in 1861 when it held Confederate sympathizers including 39 men and women that praised the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

Alcatraz also held Native American prisoners in 1873, including 19 that refused to send their children to English-only schools.

Al Capone was among the first group of prisoners of Alcatraz as a Federal Penitentiary.

During World War II, inmates helped make khakis, fatigues and cargo nets to assist the war effort.

During its 29 years housing inmates as a Federal Penitentiary, 14 attempts were made to escape Alcatraz. None were successful.

A $5 million repair bill and a highly-publicized escape attempt lead then-Attorney General Robert Kennedy to close Alcatraz as a prison in 1963.

Alcatraz officially became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1973 and welcomes 1.3 million visitors each year.

Alcatraz is an amazing institution with an even more amazing history that should be among the itinerary for anyone taking a San Francisco tour. Make sure to book yours today and get started on the best sightseeing tour you’ve ever taken with Tours4Fun!