Alcatraz: From Fortress to Federal Penitentiary to Park

Overview

Alcatraz Island ("The Rock") sits 1.25 miles offshore in San Francisco Bay. Barren, steep, surrounded by frigid, swift currents.

Timeline

• 1850s–1933: U.S. Army fortress, then military prison.
• 1934–1963: Federal penitentiary for "incorrigibles" (Capone, Stroud, Kelly). Designed as escape-proof: reinforced concrete, steel bars, armed towers, electronic detection.
• Escape Attempts: 14 attempts, 36 men. 23 caught, 6 shot, 2 drowned, 5 missing (presumed drowned). Most famous: 1962 Anglin brothers + Frank Morris (vanished).
• 1963 Closure: High operating costs ($10/day/inmate vs. $3 mainland), saltwater corrosion, public scrutiny.
• 1969–71: Native American occupation (Indians of All Tribes) for sovereignty/protest.
• 1972–Present: Golden Gate National Recreation Area (NPS). 1.5M+ visitors/year.

Legacy

Symbol of ultimate incarceration; now a site of reflection on justice, civil rights, and history.