Alcatraz Island, known as “The Rock,” is an iconic landmark in San Francisco Bay, located approximately 1.25 miles offshore. Originally developed for a lighthouse, it later gained notoriety as a federal penitentiary. Its history has cemented its place in American history.
A Brief History of Alcatraz
Alcatraz’s history began as a military fortification. In 1850, a presidential order designated the island as a U.S. military reservation, driven by the California Gold Rush and the need to protect San Francisco Bay. The U.S. Army began constructing a fortress in the early 1850s, aiming to make it the most heavily fortified military site on the West Coast. By the late 1850s, Alcatraz housed its first military prisoners.
The island’s role as a prison continued for over a century, even as its defensive necessity diminished. In 1909, the Army tore down the original citadel, using its basement as the foundation for a new military prison. This new facility, completed in 1912, became known as the Pacific Branch, U.S. Disciplinary Barracks.
In 1933, the U.S. Army transferred control of the island to the U.S. Department of Justice. The federal government sought to establish a maximum-security penitentiary for its most incorrigible inmates, aiming to curb the rampant crime of the 1920s and 1930s. Alcatraz officially became a federal penitentiary in August 1934, operating for 29 years until its closure in 1963.
Life on “The Rock”
Life for inmates at Alcatraz was characterized by strict routines and harsh, isolated conditions. The prison held high-risk, incorrigible individuals who caused trouble at other federal prisons. Cells typically measured 9 feet by 5 feet and 7 feet high, offering minimal privacy and basic furnishings like a bed, desk, and toilet.
The daily regimen was highly controlled, with inmates adhering to a rigid schedule for meals, work, and recreation. Disciplinary measures were severe, reinforcing Alcatraz’s reputation as America’s most secure prison. The cold waters and strong tidal currents of San Francisco Bay contributed to the sense of isolation and the belief that escape was nearly impossible.
Alcatraz housed some of America’s most infamous criminals. Notable inmates included Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud, often referred to as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Their presence highlighted the caliber of prisoners sent to “The Rock.”
Notable Escape Attempts
Despite its reputation as an escape-proof prison, Alcatraz was the site of several determined escape attempts. Over its 29 years as a federal prison, 36 men were involved in 14 separate escape attempts. Most of these attempts were unsuccessful, with many inmates either caught, shot, or drowned in the bay’s frigid, treacherous waters.
The most famous and enduring escape attempt occurred in June 1962, involving inmates Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin. The trio meticulously planned their escape, using improvised tools to enlarge air vents in their cells and constructing a raft from raincoats. While authorities maintain the men drowned, their bodies were never recovered, leaving the official outcome of their attempt a mystery.
Other notable efforts included the “Battle of Alcatraz” in May 1946, a violent, three-day attempt where inmates seized weapons and took officers hostage, resulting in fatalities. The inherent challenges of escaping the island—cold water, strong currents, and distance to the mainland—contributed to the prison’s formidable image.
From Prison to Park
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 21, 1963, primarily due to high operating costs and deteriorating infrastructure. Maintaining an isolated island prison proved significantly more expensive than land-based facilities. The cost of transporting supplies, food, and water, coupled with the need for extensive repairs, rendered its continued operation unsustainable.
Following its closure, the island remained uninhabited for several years. In 1972, Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of the Interior and became part of the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area. This transformation marked its transition from a symbol of incarceration to a public tourist attraction.
Today, Alcatraz is a popular destination, drawing thousands of visitors annually. Access to the island is exclusively via ferry from Pier 33 Alcatraz Landing in San Francisco. Visitors can explore the cell house, mess hall, and other areas through self-guided audio tours, often featuring narratives from former inmates and correctional officers. The island offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.