The History of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, often referred to as “The Rock,” is one of the most iconic and infamous prisons in American history. Located on Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay, approximately 1.25 miles off the coast of California, Alcatraz has a storied past that spans centuries. From its early days as a military fortification to its transformation into a maximum-security federal penitentiary, and finally its current status as a historic landmark and tourist attraction, Alcatraz has played a significant role in American history. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the history of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, focusing on its origins, its time as a federal prison, and its enduring legacy.

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Origins of Alcatraz Island

Military Fortification

Alcatraz Island was initially envisioned as a naval defense fortification in the mid-19th century. Its strategic location in the middle of San Francisco Bay made it an ideal site for military purposes. In 1858, construction of Fort Alcatraz was completed, and the island became a military reservation. During the Civil War, the fort housed Confederate prisoners of war and private citizens accused of treason or sympathizing with the Confederacy. By 1868, Alcatraz transitioned into a long-term military prison (GSA, 2020).

Expansion as a Military Prison

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Alcatraz continued to serve as a military prison. During the Spanish-American War in 1898, overcrowding became an issue, prompting the construction of new facilities. In 1907, the island was designated as the “Pacific Branch, U.S. Military Prison.” By 1912, a new cellhouse, built with convict labor, was completed and remains standing today (NPS, 2015).

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Transition to a Federal Penitentiary

The Justice Department Takes Over

In 1933, the U.S. Army transferred control of Alcatraz to the Department of Justice. The federal government sought a maximum-security prison to house the most dangerous and disruptive inmates in the U.S. penitentiary system. Alcatraz was seen as the ideal location due to its isolation and the natural barriers posed by the frigid waters and strong currents of San Francisco Bay (History.com, n.d.).

Following modernization and fortification of the existing facilities, Alcatraz officially opened as a federal penitentiary on August 11, 1934. The first group of 137 prisoners arrived from the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kansas. These inmates were transported under heavy security, reflecting the prison’s reputation as a “last resort” for the most incorrigible offenders (Wikipedia, 2025).

Purpose and Design

Alcatraz was designed to be a “prison system’s prison,” where inmates who caused trouble at other federal facilities could be sent. Each prisoner was assigned to an individual cell, and the ratio of guards to inmates was high—one guard for every three prisoners. The prison’s capacity was relatively small, typically housing between 260 and 275 inmates, which represented less than 1% of the federal inmate population (History.com, n.d.).

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Life at Alcatraz

Notorious Inmates

Alcatraz housed some of the most infamous criminals in American history. Among its notable inmates were:

• Al Capone: The notorious gangster who was imprisoned for tax evasion.
• George “Machine Gun” Kelly: A notorious bank robber and kidnapper.
• Robert Stroud (“The Birdman of Alcatraz”): A convicted murderer who became known for his interest in ornithology.
• Alvin “Creepy” Karpis: A career criminal and public enemy who served the longest sentence at Alcatraz (Britannica, 2025).

Harsh Conditions

Life at Alcatraz was intentionally harsh. The prison offered minimal privileges, and inmates were expected to follow strict rules. The goal was to instill discipline and prepare inmates for eventual transfer to other federal prisons. The isolation of the island, combined with the strict regimen, made Alcatraz one of the most feared prisons in the country (NPS, 2025).

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Escape Attempts

Challenges of Escaping

Alcatraz was considered escape-proof due to its location in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The cold, strong currents and shark-infested waters posed significant challenges to anyone attempting to flee. During its 29 years of operation, there were 14 escape attempts involving 36 inmates. Of these, 15 were captured, 8 surrendered, 7 were shot and killed, 2 drowned, and 5 were listed as “missing and presumed drowned” (Wikipedia, 2025).

Notable Escapes

The most famous escape attempt occurred in June 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, John and Clarence, managed to break out of the prison. Using handmade tools, they created a makeshift raft and disappeared into the bay. Their fate remains a mystery, and they are presumed to have drowned, though some believe they may have survived (InmateAid, n.d.).

Another notable event was the “Battle of Alcatraz” in May 1946, a violent escape attempt that resulted in the deaths of three inmates and two correctional officers (InmateAid, n.d.).

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Closure of Alcatraz

Reasons for Closure

Alcatraz was closed on March 21, 1963, due to high operating costs and deteriorating facilities. The prison’s daily per capita cost was $10.10, compared to $3 at other federal prisons. The isolated location required all supplies, including food and water, to be transported by boat, further increasing expenses. Estimates suggested that restoring the prison would cost $3 to $5 million (Time, 2025).

Post-Closure

After its closure, Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of the Interior in 1972 and became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It was later opened to the public as a museum and tourist attraction, drawing over a million visitors annually. The island also served as a site for Native American activism from 1969 to 1971 (Britannica, 2025).

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Legacy and Cultural Impact

Alcatraz remains a symbol of justice, punishment, and perseverance. Its history as a military fort, federal prison, and historic landmark reflects the evolution of the American penal system. The stories of its notorious inmates, daring escape attempts, and harsh conditions continue to captivate the public. Today, Alcatraz stands as a testament to the complexities of crime and punishment in American history (NPS, 2025).

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References

1. National Park Service. (2025). U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz – Alcatraz Island. https://www.nps.gov/alca/learn/historyculture/us-penitentiary-alcatraz.htm
2. General Services Administration. (2020). The Captivating History of Alcatraz Island. https://www.gsa.gov/about-us/gsa-regions/region-9-pacific-rim/region-9-newsroom/feature-stories/the-captivating-history-of-alcatraz-island-from-military-fort-to-national-historic-landmark-05182020
3. History.com. (n.d.). Alcatraz – Prison, Location & Al Capone. https://www.history.com/articles/alcatraz
4. InmateAid. (n.d.). Alcatraz: A Complete History of The Rock. https://www.inmateaid.com/information/alcatraz-a-complete-history-of-the-rock-its-infamous-inmates-and-daring-escapes
5. Wikipedia. (2025). Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcatraz_Federal_Penitentiary
6. Britannica. (2025). Alcatraz | Prison, Island, Inmates, Escapes, History & Facts. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Alcatraz
7. Time. (2025). What to Know About Trump’s Plan to Reopen Alcatraz. https://time.com/7282551/alcatraz-trump-rebuild-open-prison-island-judges-immigration-costs-history/