The Mysteries of Alcatraz Prison: A Guide to the Island

Alcatraz, known as the "American Siberia," was the most secure island prison for the most dangerous criminals. Al Capone, George Kelly, and other criminal legends served time there. Throughout its history, no prisoner ever successfully escaped. Yet, it all started as the harmless "Island of Pelicans."

Read this article to learn about the history of Alcatraz, the most impenetrable fortress for the most notorious inmates.

History of Alcatraz

Alcatraz prison was often called the "American Siberia" for a few reasons, which we will explore later. But first, let's understand why this place is unique and why you should definitely visit it.

Originally, Alcatraz was the name of the island where the prison-fort was eventually built. In the late 18th century, Spanish colonizers discovered the island and named it the Land of Pelicans. It sounds quite harmless, but the structures built there were anything but pacifist.

By the late 19th century, external threats were no longer a concern, but internal ones were. The fort on Alcatraz became a disciplinary barracks for misbehaving soldiers. Alcatraz's reputation as an inescapable place spread far beyond California. The first fort was demolished and rebuilt as a prison.

The Prison for the Worst

Alcatraz truly was a kind of exile: cold, isolated, and lacking any amenities except the buildings and lighthouse. Everything, including drinking water, had to be brought in. Getting there wasn't as easy or quick as it seemed; the island was surrounded by fast, cold currents.

This also contributed to its legendary security. Escaping from Alcatraz and surviving was virtually impossible. Even if someone managed to get past the massive security cordons, they wouldn't make it to the mainland due to the icy waters that either swept them away or froze them alive. Plus, there were sharks: legend has it that guards fed several sharks to ensure they always swam near the island. Throughout Alcatraz's history, only five rebellious inmates made it to the water, but none survived.

Living Conditions

Alcatraz was notorious nationwide for its strict rules. Apart from the unique structure of the prison, the regime was extremely harsh. Each inmate had their "karma," and privileges like reading books were earned solely through hard work and obedience. Each cell was wired for electricity, and tear gas could be released in the corridors in case of a riot or escape attempt. Any approaching vessels, except for supply ships, were fired upon without warning.

Famous Inmates

Only the most dangerous criminals and repeat offenders, like Al Capone, were housed in this beautiful place. Capone returned from Alcatraz a gravely ill old man. George "Machine Gun" Kelly, known for his armed robberies and kidnappings, was also held here. Robert "Birdman" Stroud, despite his nickname, was famous for his ornithological research conducted while incarcerated.

Why and When Was the Prison Closed?

Like everything in America, Alcatraz eventually became a victim of pure commerce. The prison was officially closed in 1963 due to excessive costs; its isolation made maintaining it about 4-5 times more expensive than mainland prisons, not to mention the guards' expenses.

Legendary Escapes

Despite its reputation as an impregnable fortress, Alcatraz was the site of several famous escape attempts. The most renowned occurred in 1962, involving Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin.

Frank Morris, known for his high intelligence, masterminded the operation. Using homemade tools, the inmates dug tunnels through the walls of their cells. They created an inflatable raft from raincoats and set off into the unknown. This story has inspired numerous films and books, but it remains a mystery whether they survived the escape. Officially, it's believed they drowned in the cold bay waters, but some researchers and conspiracy theorists argue that the escapees might have reached the shore and vanished.

Interesting Facts

1. 01.Life of Inmates
   Life in prison was harsh. Inmates spent most of their day in their cells, were only allowed to socialize on weekends, and had to work at various jobs like laundry, sewing, and blacksmithing. The only entertainment was the prison library, where they could borrow books and magazines.
2. 02.Ghost Stories
   Many visitors and prison staff reported paranormal phenomena, such as unexplained sounds, footsteps, and voices. Alcatraz is considered one of the most haunted places in America.
3. 03.Clashes and Riots
   The prison often experienced clashes and riots. One of the most famous incidents was the Battle of Alcatraz in 1946, when inmates took over the armory and held it for several days before being overpowered by guards and Marines.
4. 04.Famous Cell
   One of the most well-known cells belonged to Al Capone. It's said that Capone played the banjo in the prison band and used his influence to obtain certain privileges, such as a private cell.
5. 05.Hollywood Fame
   Alcatraz frequently appears in movies and television. The most famous films about the prison include "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood and "The Rock" featuring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage.

Life After Prison

In 1969, Native Americans occupied the abandoned island and declared it their territory. They would have liked to take over San Francisco too, but it was beyond their reach. They held the island for almost two years, but the harsh conditions eventually weakened them, making it easy for the Americans to disperse them.

Since the 1970s, Alcatraz has been cleared of any secrets and opened to tourists. It turned out that there were so many stories that burying them on the island would have been unfair. The museum's exhibits include prisoners' belongings, letters, escape artifacts, and original interiors.

Here, you can truly feel the atmosphere of crime, fear, and life in the 1930s. Descriptions are useless; you must see it for yourself. Just dress warmly — after all, it is the "American Siberia."

Tours of Alcatraz

Specialists from American Butler would be happy to accompany you to this and many other locations. We can help with translations, organizing leisure activities, and transportation anywhere in the USA. Just reach out to us in any way convenient for you. Our specialists will answer your questions and create a well-planned tour itinerary in San Francisco — leave your requests in the form below and await a prompt response.

Spoiler: The wait won’t be long.