Known as "The Rock," Alcatraz Island stands as a chilling monument in the middle of San Francisco Bay. Once the most secure federal prison in the United States, it housed the nation's most infamous criminals. Today, it's a captivating historical site filled with tales of daring escapes, notorious inmates, and ghostly legends.
Alcatraz Island, also known as "The Rock," was considered inescapable.
From Military Fort to Maximum Security Prison
Before it became a prison, Alcatraz served as a U.S. military fort in the 1850s, guarding the San Francisco Bay with over 100 cannons. It transitioned into a military prison before the Department of Justice acquired it in 1934, redesigning it to be the ultimate maximum-security, minimum-privilege penitentiary.
The Infamous Inmates of The Rock
Alcatraz was reserved for criminals deemed too difficult or dangerous for other prisons. Its most famous residents included:
| Inmate | Crime | Interesting Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Al Capone | Tax Evasion / Mob Boss | Played banjo in the prison band, the Rock Islanders. |
| Robert Stroud | Murder | Known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," though he never kept birds there. |
| George "Machine Gun" Kelly | Kidnapping | Was reportedly a model prisoner during his 17 years on The Rock. |
The Great Escape of 1962
Officially, no one ever escaped Alcatraz and survived. But the 1962 attempt by Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin remains one of history's greatest unsolved mysteries. The trio chiseled through their cell walls with spoons, left papier-mâchÊ dummy heads in their beds, and disappeared into the bay on a raft made of raincoats. Their bodies were never found, leaving the world to wonder if they made it to freedom.
Visiting Alcatraz Today
Alcatraz closed in 1963 and is now a popular National Park site. A visit offers a chilling glimpse into its dark past. The award-winning audio tour, featuring voices of former inmates and guards, brings the prison's history to life.
Just as tourists flock to Hawaii to witness the raw power of the KÄŤlauea volcano, visitors come to Alcatraz to feel the weight of its incredible human stories.
Planning Your Trip: Tickets often sell out weeks in advance, so be sure to book ahead through the official Alcatraz City Cruises website.