Why was the Alcatraz Island called "The Rock?"

Answer by  Joe80 (866)

Alcatraz island was nicknamed the rock because it was basically that, a rock far off the coast of San Fransisco. There wasn't much plant life or animals living there and the surrounding landscape of the island was as desolate as a rock out in the ocean. Also the fact that it was difficult to escape from added to the nickname.

Answer by  sc1234 (1319)

Alcatraz Island's being named "The Rock" is obvious to anyone who has seen a photo of the island or been to the San Francisco area - Alcatraz Island is made of Rock and looks like a rock in the middle of the bay.