Alcatraz, the infamous prison island in San Francisco Bay, has long captured the public’s imagination. Its history as a federal penitentiary is filled with tales of notorious criminals and daring escape attempts.

Alcatraz closed its doors as a federal prison on March 21, 1963. The decision to shut down the facility came after nearly three decades of housing some of America’s most dangerous criminals.
High operating costs and the need for extensive renovations played a key role in its closure.
The end of Alcatraz as a prison marked the beginning of a new chapter for the island. It soon became a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to explore its cells and corridors.
Today, Alcatraz Island welcomes about 1 million tourists each year, allowing them to step back in time and experience a piece of American criminal justice history.
Key Takeaways
- Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 21, 1963.
- The prison’s closure was due to high costs and needed repairs.
- Alcatraz Island now serves as a major tourist attraction in San Francisco Bay.
History of Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island has a rich and varied history, transforming from a military fortress to America’s most infamous prison.
Early History and Military Use
Juan Manuel de Ayala, a Spanish explorer, first charted Alcatraz in 1775, naming it “Isla de los Alcatraces” (Island of the Pelicans).
The U.S. Army began fortifying the island in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush.
During the American Civil War, Alcatraz served as a military prison. It held Confederate sympathizers and other military prisoners. The island’s isolation made it an ideal location for detaining soldiers.
The Army expanded the prison facilities in the late 19th century. Alcatraz housed more inmates during the Spanish-American War and World War I.
Transition to Federal Prison
In 1933, the U.S. Department of Justice acquired Alcatraz from the Army. The Federal Bureau of Prisons transformed it into a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
Alcatraz became known as “The Rock.” It gained a reputation as America’s toughest prison. The government sent the country’s most troublesome criminals there.
The prison’s first warden, James A. Johnston, established strict rules. Inmates had few privileges and faced harsh punishments for misbehavior.
Notable Inmates and Events
Alcatraz housed many famous criminals:
- Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster
- George “Machine Gun” Kelly, a notorious kidnapper
- Robert Franklin Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz”
The prison saw several escape attempts. The most famous occurred in June 1962 when three inmates disappeared. Their fate remains unknown.
In 1946, a violent uprising known as the “Battle of Alcatraz” lasted three days. Two guards and three inmates died in the conflict.
Closure and Post-Penitentiary Era
Alcatraz closed on March 21, 1963. High operating costs and deteriorating facilities led to its shutdown. The last prisoners transferred to other federal prisons.
After its closure, Native American activists occupied the island for 19 months in 1969-1971. They sought to reclaim it as Native land.
In 1972, Alcatraz became part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the former prison and learn about its complex history.
Alcatraz as a Federal Penitentiary
Alcatraz served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963. It housed some of America’s most dangerous criminals in a high-security setting on an isolated island in San Francisco Bay.
Security and Daily Life
Alcatraz was known for its strict security measures. The prison used metal detectors and conducted frequent cell searches.
Inmates spent most of their time in small cells with little privacy.
Daily life was highly regimented. Prisoners had set times for meals, work, and recreation.
The main cellhouse contained several hundred cells, each typically housing one inmate.
Correctional officers maintained constant surveillance. They patrolled the cellhouse and other areas like the kitchen and recreation yard.
Inmates worked in various prison facilities. Some had jobs in the Model Industries Building, where they made items like clothing and furniture.
Escapes and Escape Attempts
Despite its reputation as inescapable, Alcatraz saw several escape attempts.
The most famous occurred in June 1962. Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin dug through their cell walls. They used makeshift rafts to leave the island. Their fate remains unknown.
Another notable attempt involved Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe in 1937. They disappeared during foggy weather, likely drowning in the cold bay waters.
Most escape attempts were quickly thwarted. The island’s isolation and strong currents made it extremely difficult to get away.
Administrative and Structural Details
Alcatraz was run by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. A warden oversaw daily operations and security protocols.
The main prison building was constructed in 1910-1912. It originally served as a military prison before becoming a federal penitentiary.
Alcatraz was expensive to operate. In 1959, it cost over three times more per inmate than other federal prisons.
The island’s harsh environment caused ongoing structural problems. Salt water and wind constantly eroded buildings and equipment.
By the early 1960s, the prison needed major renovations. These high costs contributed to the decision to close Alcatraz in 1963.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Alcatraz Prison left a lasting mark on American culture and history. It became a symbol of both harsh justice and resistance against injustice.
Alcatraz in Popular Media
Alcatraz gained fame through movies, books, and TV shows. The 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood boosted its notoriety. Many documentaries explored its history and infamous inmates.
The prison’s nickname “The Rock” became well-known. Its image as an inescapable fortress captured public imagination. TV series like “Alcatraz” in 2012 added to its mystique.
After closing, Alcatraz became a popular tourist spot. The National Park Service now runs tours. Visitors can see cells and hear stories of famous prisoners.
Alcatraz and Native American Activism
In 1969, Alcatraz became a site of Native American protest. A group called Indians of All Tribes occupied the island for 19 months. They claimed it under an old treaty.
The occupation drew attention to Native American rights. It inspired other protests across the country. The event is seen as a key moment in the American Indian Movement.
Today, Alcatraz hosts an annual Indigenous Peoples Day Sunrise Gathering. This event honors the 1969 occupation. It keeps alive the spirit of Native American activism.
Preservation and Tourism
After closing as a prison, Alcatraz Island found new life as a popular tourist attraction. The former penitentiary now welcomes over a million visitors each year to explore its historic grounds and buildings.
Conversion to National Park Site
The National Park Service took over Alcatraz in 1972. They made it part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The NPS worked to preserve the island’s buildings and natural features.
They restored key areas like:
- The main cellhouse
- The recreation yard
- The lighthouse
- Fort Alcatraz ruins
The Park Service aimed to keep Alcatraz’s sense of history intact. They left many areas as they were when the prison closed. This gives visitors a real feel for life on “The Rock.”
Visiting Alcatraz Today
Alcatraz is now a major San Francisco tourist attraction. Ferries take visitors on a short ride across the bay to the island.
Audio tours guide people through the cellhouse and grounds. Visitors can see:
• The main prison building
• Guard towers
• The warden’s house
• Native American graffiti
The island offers stunning views of San Francisco and the bay. Some areas remain off-limits to protect wildlife. Alcatraz hosts special night tours and events throughout the year.