Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, often simply referred to as Alcatraz, is a former maximum-security federal prison located on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, California, United States. Its history is marked by its use as a military prison, a federal prison, and its eventual closure. Here's an overview of its historical timeline:
Early History: Alcatraz Island has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. The island was initially used by the U.S. military for defensive purposes during the Gold Rush and Civil War eras. A fortress was built on the island to protect San Francisco Bay.
Military Prison: In 1861, during the Civil War, the U.S. Army began using Alcatraz as a military prison to incarcerate Confederate sympathizers and privateers. Over the years, it housed military prisoners, including Hopi leaders from the Arizona Territory.
Transfer to the Department of Justice: In 1933, the U.S. Department of Justice acquired Alcatraz and converted it into a federal maximum-security prison. Its reputation as a "supermax" facility for notorious and high-profile criminals began.
Famous Inmates: Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious criminals of its time, including Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Robert "The Birdman" Stroud, and Arthur "Doc" Barker. The high-security nature of Alcatraz made it challenging for inmates to escape, contributing to its formidable reputation.
Escape Attempts: Despite its reputation, there were 14 known escape attempts involving 36 prisoners. The most famous escape attempt occurred in 1962, known as the "Alcatraz Escape." Three inmates—Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin—managed to escape from their cells but were never confirmed to have survived the treacherous waters surrounding the island.
Closure: Due to the high operating costs and deteriorating infrastructure, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was closed on March 21, 1963. The remaining inmates were transferred to other federal prisons.
Native American Occupation: After its closure, in 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied Alcatraz Island to protest the U.S. government's treatment of Native Americans. The occupation lasted for 19 months, drawing attention to issues of Native American sovereignty and leading to changes in federal policy.
National Park and Tourist Attraction: In 1972, Alcatraz Island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and is now managed by the National Park Service. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction, visited by millions of people each year who are interested in its rich history and notorious past as a penitentiary.
Alcatraz remains an iconic symbol of America's criminal justice system and a place of historical significance, attracting visitors interested in its complex past and stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
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