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Alcatraz: A Complete History of The Rock, Its Infamous Inmates, and Daring Escapes

Published on January 8, 2025, by InmateAid

Table of Contents

Introduction

The History of Alcatraz: The Prison, the Inmates, and the Escape Stories

Perched on a rocky island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island, better known as "The Rock," has fascinated the public for decades. From its early use as a military fortification to its notorious years as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz is a symbol of both harsh punishment and human resilience. This article delves into the rich history of Alcatraz, explores some of its most famous inmates, recounts audacious escape attempts, and highlights interesting anecdotes that have shaped its enduring legacy.

Early History: From Fortress to Military Prison

Before Alcatraz became synonymous with prison life, it served as a military fortification. In the mid-19th century, the U.S. Army established Fort Alcatraz to protect San Francisco Bay from potential invaders during the California Gold Rush. By the 1860s, it transitioned into a military prison, housing Confederate sympathizers and other military offenders during the Civil War. Its isolated location, surrounded by treacherous waters, made it an ideal place for confinement.

Alcatraz as a Federal Penitentiary (1934-1963)

In 1934, the U.S. Department of Justice repurposed Alcatraz as a maximum-security federal prison designed to hold the most dangerous and incorrigible inmates. The goal was to deter crime by demonstrating that even the most hardened criminals could be contained. The penitentiary quickly gained a reputation for its strict discipline, harsh living conditions, and inescapable location.

At its peak, Alcatraz housed around 260 to 300 inmates at a time, including some of the most infamous criminals of the 20th century. The prison's cells were small, measuring 5 by 9 feet, and inmates were confined for most of the day, with minimal privileges.

Famous Inmates of Alcatraz

Several notorious figures passed through Alcatraz during its 29 years of operation. Among them were:

  • Al Capone: Perhaps the most famous inmate, the notorious Chicago mob boss was sent to Alcatraz in 1934 for tax evasion. Initially trying to use his wealth to gain special treatment, Capone quickly learned that Alcatraz operated differently. He spent much of his time in the prison hospital, suffering from syphilis.

  • George "Machine Gun" Kelly: A prominent gangster and kidnapper, Kelly was known for his criminal exploits during Prohibition. While at Alcatraz, he reportedly became a model prisoner.

  • Robert Stroud, "The Birdman of Alcatraz": Although Stroud never kept birds at Alcatraz (he earned his nickname from his time at Leavenworth Penitentiary), he was one of the most well-known inmates. Stroud spent 17 years at Alcatraz, much of it in solitary confinement.

  • Alvin "Creepy" Karpis: As the last "Public Enemy No. 1" to be captured, Karpis was known for his involvement in bank robberies and kidnappings. He spent over 25 years at Alcatraz, the longest of any inmate.

Escape Attempts: The Myth of the Inescapable Prison

Alcatraz’s isolation in the middle of San Francisco Bay, combined with its cold, strong currents, was believed to make escape impossible. Despite this, there were 14 known escape attempts involving 36 inmates. Of these, 23 were caught, six were shot and killed, and two drowned. Five inmates were never found and are presumed to have drowned, but their fates remain a mystery.

The Most Famous Escape Attempt: The 1962 Escape of Morris and the Anglin Brothers

On the night of June 11, 1962, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin executed one of the most daring escape attempts in U.S. history. The trio had spent months digging through the walls of their cells using spoons and other improvised tools. They created life-like dummy heads from papier-mâché to fool the guards during nighttime bed checks.

After crawling through the holes they had made in their cells, they climbed up a utility corridor to the roof and made their way to the water's edge. Using a makeshift raft constructed from raincoats, they entered the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. Despite an exhaustive search, the men were never found. Authorities declared them presumed drowned, but their fate remains a topic of speculation and folklore.

Other Notable Escape Attempts

  • The 1946 Battle of Alcatraz: One of the bloodiest incidents in the prison’s history, this escape attempt involved six inmates who overpowered guards and seized weapons. The standoff lasted for two days, resulting in the deaths of three inmates and two correctional officers.

  • The 1937 Disappearance of Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe: These two inmates escaped during heavy fog by cutting through window bars and attempting to swim across the bay. Despite extensive searches, they were never found, leading many to believe they perished in the water.

Life Inside Alcatraz: Harsh but Orderly

Life at Alcatraz was designed to break the spirits of its inmates. The rules were strict, and privileges were minimal. Inmates were expected to follow a rigid daily schedule that included work assignments, meals, and recreational time. However, despite the harsh conditions, Alcatraz was considered relatively safe compared to other prisons of the era, with minimal inmate-on-inmate violence.

Inmates could work in various prison industries, including a model workshop and a laundry facility. Some found solace in hobbies such as painting, music, and reading. The prison's library was well-stocked, and inmates were encouraged to read for self-improvement.

Interesting Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Facts

  • Alcatraz’s Music Scene: Despite its harsh reputation, Alcatraz allowed inmates to play musical instruments. Inmates formed small bands and played jazz and classical music during recreation hours.

  • The Christmas Feast: One of the few bright spots in Alcatraz’s strict routine was the annual Christmas feast. Inmates were served a special meal that included turkey, stuffing, and pie.

  • The Guard’s Families: Remarkably, correctional officers and their families lived on Alcatraz Island. The families resided in separate housing quarters, and children would take a boat to San Francisco for school every day.

Closure and Legacy

By the early 1960s, Alcatraz had become too expensive to maintain. The salty sea air had corroded the buildings, and the prison’s operating costs were nearly triple those of other federal facilities. In 1963, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy ordered the closure of Alcatraz, and the remaining inmates were transferred to other prisons.

Today, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can explore the prison cells, learn about the escape attempts, and gain insight into life on "The Rock." Its history continues to captivate the imagination, making Alcatraz one of the most famous prisons in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What were the different phases of Alcatraz’s history?
Alcatraz Island went through several phases: it started as a military fortification in the mid-19th century, transitioned to a military prison during the Civil War, and later became a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. Today, it is a historic site managed by the National Park Service.

2. Who were some of the most famous inmates held at Alcatraz?
Some of the most notorious inmates included Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert Stroud (the Birdman of Alcatraz), and Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, who served the longest sentence at the prison.

3. Were there any successful escape attempts from Alcatraz?
There were 14 known escape attempts involving 36 inmates. While most were captured or killed, the 1962 escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers remains a mystery. They were never found and are presumed to have drowned, though some believe they may have survived.

4. What was daily life like for inmates at Alcatraz?
Daily life at Alcatraz was highly regimented. Inmates followed strict schedules that included work assignments, meals, and limited recreational time. Despite harsh conditions, the prison was considered relatively safe, with minimal inmate violence.

5. Why was Alcatraz closed as a federal prison?
Alcatraz was closed in 1963 due to high operating costs and deteriorating facilities. The salty sea air caused significant structural damage, making maintenance expensive compared to other federal prisons.

6. Can visitors tour Alcatraz today?
Yes, Alcatraz is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison, learn about its history, and see the cells, dining hall, and other key areas. Special tours also cover escape attempts and famous inmates.

7. What was the Battle of Alcatraz?
The Battle of Alcatraz occurred in 1946 when six inmates attempted a violent escape by overpowering guards and seizing weapons. The standoff lasted for two days, resulting in the deaths of three inmates and two correctional officers.

Conclusion

Alcatraz Island holds a unique place in American history. From its early days as a military fort to its years as a notorious federal prison, and now as a historic site, it symbolizes both punishment and perseverance. The stories of its famous inmates, daring escape attempts, and life behind bars continue to intrigue and inspire. Whether viewed as a symbol of justice or human defiance, Alcatraz remains an enduring icon of America’s past.