The History of Alcatraz Prison

Perched on a desolate island in the frigid waters of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Prison stands as one of America’s most infamous correctional facilities.

Known as "The Rock," this maximum-security prison housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." Its harsh conditions, isolated Its location and standing as an unavoidable stronghold have solidified its historical significance.

This article delves into the history of Alcatraz Prison, examining its transformation from a military stronghold to a federal penitentiary, its most notorious inmates, infamous escape attempts, and the reasons behind its eventual closure.

Early History: Military Fortress to Military Prison

Discovery and Early Use

Before becoming a prison, Alcatraz Island served strategic military purposes. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala first charted the island in 1775, naming it "La Isla de los Alcatraces" (Island of the Pelicans) due to its large seabird population.

In the mid-19th century, the U.S. government recognized the island’s potential as a defensive outpost. Following the Mexican-American War (1846–1848), the U.S. Army fortified Alcatraz, constructing a military fortress in the 1850s to protect San Francisco Bay during the Gold Rush era.

Transition to a Military Prison

By the late 1850s, the U.S. Army began using Alcatraz as a military prison, incarcerating deserters, insubordinate soldiers, and Confederate sympathizers during the Civil War (1861–1865).

The island’s isolation made it an ideal location for confining prisoners, setting the stage for its future as a federal penitentiary.

The Birth of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary (1934–1963)

The Need for a Supermax Prison

During the Prohibition Era (1920–1933), organized crime surged, and America’s existing prisons struggled to contain ruthless gangsters like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.

The U.S. Department of Justice sought an inescapable prison for high-profile criminals, leading to the establishment of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1934.

Design and Security Features

• Alcatraz was designed to be escape-proof, featuring:
• Thick concrete walls reinforced with steel.
• Guard towers with armed sentries.
• Cold, treacherous waters surrounding the island (strong currents and temperatures averaging 55°F).

Strict inmate rules, including silence policies and limited privileges.

Prisoners were subjected to solitary confinement for rule violations, and the harsh conditions earned Alcatraz the nickname "Hellcatraz."

Notorious Inmates of Alcatraz

Some of America's most dangerous criminals were held at Alcatraz, including:

1. Al Capone (Prisoner #85)

The infamous Chicago mob boss was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934 for tax evasion. Despite his fame, Capone had a difficult time in prison and finally developed dementia brought on by syphilis.

2. Robert Stroud (The "Birdman of Alcatraz")

Though famously portrayed as a gentle bird lover in films, Stroud was a violent inmate who killed a guard. He spent 17 years in solitary confinement but studied ornithology, writing books on birds.

3. George "Machine Gun" Kelly (Prisoner #117)

Known for his 1933 kidnapping of Charles Urschel, Kelly was sent to Alcatraz in 1934. Unlike his ruthless reputation, he reportedly became a model prisoner.

4. Alvin "Creepy" Karpis

The Alcatraz prisoner with the longest term (26 years) was Karpis, a criminal during the Depression era who was a member of the Barker-Karpis gang.

Daring Escape Attempts: Myth and Reality

Alcatraz’s reputation as an inescapable prison was tested by several bold escape attempts.

The 1946 "Battle of Alcatraz"

A violent failed escape led by inmates Bernard Coy, Joseph Cretzer, and Marvin Hubbard resulted in a two-day siege, leaving two guards and three inmates dead.

The Mysterious 1962 Escape

In 1962, Frank Morris and his brothers, John and Clarence Anglin, organized the most famous escape.

They fashioned dummy heads to trick guards, dug through walls using handmade tools, and escaped on a raincoat raft. Despite an FBI manhunt, they were never found, fueling theories of survival.

The Closure of Alcatraz (1963)

Rising Costs and Deterioration

By the early 1960s, maintaining Alcatraz became too expensive. Saltwater corrosion damaged structures, and operational costs were three times higher than other prisons.

Changing Prison Philosophies

The Bureau of Prisons shifted toward rehabilitation over extreme punishment, rendering Alcatraz’s harsh model outdated. On March 21, 1963, the prison officially closed.

Alcatraz Today: A National Landmark

After its closure, Alcatraz briefly hosted Native American activists (1969–1971) during the Occupation of Alcatraz. In 1972, it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, opening to the public as a museum and tourist attraction.

Today, Alcatraz Island draws over 1.5 million visitors annually, offering haunting tours of its abandoned cells and legendary escape stories.

Conclusion

Alcatraz Prison's history is one of mystery, retribution, and rebellion. From its origins as a military fortress to its reign as America’s most feared penitentiary, Alcatraz remains a symbol of justice and infamy.

Though it closed in 1963, its legacy endures through films, books, and folklore, ensuring that "The Rock" will never be forgotten.

Would you dare to explore its haunted corridors?