Located on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz has stood for decades as a symbol of power, punishment, and confinement in American history. What began as a military fortress in 1850 eventually became the most feared federal prison in the country, notorious for housing some of the most dangerous criminals of the 20th century.

In 1850, President Millard Fillmore ordered that Alcatraz Island be reserved for military use. Its strategic location made it a key point for defending the bay. By the end of the 19th century, it was already being used as a military prison. In 1934, Alcatraz was officially converted into a maximum-security federal prison, designed to hold inmates deemed uncontrollable in other facilities.

During its 29 years of operation as a federal penitentiary (1934–1963), over 1,500 prisoners were incarcerated within its walls. The prison was never filled to capacity—its maximum was 336, but it typically housed between 250 and 300 inmates, allowing for extremely tight security.

It wasn’t until 1934 that Alcatraz began operating as a high-security federal prison meant for the nation’s most dangerous offenders. The frigid waters and strong currents surrounding the island made any escape attempt nearly suicidal, reinforcing its reputation as an impenetrable fortress. Alcatraz housed infamous figures like Al Capone, Robert Stroud (the "Birdman of Alcatraz"), and several leaders of organized crime.

Despite its formidable reputation, 14 escape attempts involving 36 prisoners were recorded. Of those, 23 were captured, 6 were shot and killed, 2 drowned, and 5 were never found, presumed dead—but with no conclusive evidence.

The most famous escape occurred in 1962, when Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin carried out a cinematic breakout: they dug tunnels using modified spoons, crafted an inflatable raft from stolen raincoats, and disappeared into the night. Their story inspired the 1979 film Escape from Alcatraz, starring Clint Eastwood. The FBI eventually closed the case, declaring the men "presumed drowned," although their bodies were never recovered.

Alcatraz closed in 1963 due to high operating costs and deteriorating infrastructure. In the 1970s, it was declared a national park and today operates as a museum, drawing more than 1 million visitors a year.

Now, in a controversial move, former President Donald Trump proposed reopening Alcatraz as a high-security prison, reviving a symbol of extreme punishment. Some view Alcatraz as a historic legacy and a powerful crime deterrent, while others argue that reopening it is impractical due to its aging facilities, isolation, and financial demands.

🔎 Surprising Facts:

• Al Capone played banjo in the prison band.

• The water surrounding the island averages 50°F (10°C) with strong currents, making escape nearly impossible.

• Inmates were allowed hot showers so their bodies wouldn't adapt to cold water—thus discouraging escape attempts.

• The "Birdman of Alcatraz," Robert Stroud, never kept birds on Alcatraz; he gained that nickname at a previous prison and was transferred due to his violent behavior.