25 Facts About Alcatraz: America’s Most Infamous Prison
These fascinating facts about Alcatraz Island reveal a place that sits ominously in San Francisco Bay, capturing the imagination of people worldwide for generations.
From its origins as a military fortress to its notorious years as a federal penitentiary, “The Rock” holds countless fascinating stories. Let’s explore the mysterious and compelling history of America’s most famous prison.
Alcatraz Facts At-a-Glance
Location: San Francisco Bay, California, USA
Area: 22 acres (8.9 hectares)
Operational Years: 1934-1963 (as a federal prison)
Current Status: National Historic Landmark
Climate: Mediterranean maritime
Annual Visitors: ~1.7 million
Managed by: National Park Service
Source: Federal Bureau of Prisons
Military History and Early Years
Before becoming the legendary prison we know today, Alcatraz served a different purpose entirely.
- Alcatraz was first discovered by Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775, who named it “La Isla de los Alcatraces” (Island of the Pelicans).
- In 1850, President Millard Fillmore designated the island for military use, making it the location of the first lighthouse on the West Coast.
- The U.S. Army began fortifying Fortress Alcatraz in 1853, eventually installing over 100 cannons to protect San Francisco Bay.
- During the Civil War, the island served as the largest American fort west of the Mississippi River.
The Federal Prison Era
The most famous chapter in Alcatraz’s history began when it became a federal penitentiary.
- Alcatraz operated as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963, housing only 1,576 inmates during its 29-year operation. The prison was closed in 1963 because it was too expensive to maintain.
- Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster, spent 4½ years on Alcatraz, where he showed signs of suffering from syphilis-induced dementia.
- The prison never reached its full capacity of 336 inmates, with the average population being around 260.
- Despite popular belief, no one ever successfully escaped from Alcatraz while it was a federal prison, though 36 prisoners made 14 escape attempts. The fate of five inmates who tried to escape remains a mystery.
Life on “The Rock”
Daily life on Alcatraz was strictly regimented and designed to break the spirit of the most hardened criminals.
- The prison cells typically measured 9 feet by 5 feet and 7 feet high, with basic amenities including a small sink, toilet, and bed.
- Prisoners were entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical care – anything else was considered a privilege that had to be earned.
- The prison’s nickname “The Rock” came from its isolation on a barren island surrounded by the cold waters of San Francisco Bay.
- Inmates were given one visit per month and could only talk to visitors through a glass screen via telephone.
Security and Structure
Alcatraz was designed to be escape-proof, with numerous security features.
- The waters around Alcatraz maintain an average temperature of 53°F (12°C), making swimming extremely dangerous.
- Strong currents in the bay could sweep potential escapees out to sea, with speeds reaching up to 6 knots.
- The prison had one guard for every three prisoners, the highest ratio of any U.S. prison at the time.
- Metal detectors were installed in 1934, making Alcatraz one of the first prisons to use this technology.
Famous Incidents
Among the most shocking facts about Alcatraz are the dramatic incidents that occurred during its years as a federal prison.
- The “Battle of Alcatraz” in 1946 was one of the bloodiest escape attempts, resulting in the deaths of two officers and three inmates.
- The famous 1962 escape attempt by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers inspired the movie “Escape from Alcatraz.”
- During the Great Depression, inmates were allowed to watch movies on weekends as a privilege, making Alcatraz one of the first prisons to do so.
- Native American activist Richard Oakes led a 19-month occupation of the island from 1969 to 1971, after the prison’s closure.
Modern Day Alcatraz
Today, Alcatraz serves as a popular tourist destination and historic landmark.
- Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972.
- The island is home to numerous rare flowers and plants, some of which are found nowhere else in the world.
- Approximately 1.7 million visitors tour Alcatraz annually, making it one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions.
- The island serves as a bird sanctuary, hosting several species including cormorants, gulls, and yes, pelicans.
- Many visitors and staff have reported paranormal activities on the island, leading to its reputation as one of America’s most haunted places.
Explore More California Facts and Stories: