Alcatraz Prison in California (Alcatraz Island). Alcatraz prison: photo where the famous prison in San Francisco is located

Alcatraz (USA) - description, history, location. Exact address, phone number, website. Tourist reviews, photos and videos.

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The most famous prison in the United States and, perhaps, the whole world, Alcatraz is not only a correctional facility (by the way, it has been functioning only as a museum for more than 30 years), but also a small picturesque island 15 minutes away from the San Francisco pier . Motor ships briskly ply between the “mainland” and the island, regularly delivering numerous tourists to the prison-museum. There really is something to see here: for almost a hundred years, Alcatraz was synonymous with hell for those prisoners who were unlucky enough to serve their sentences here. Cramped “solitaries”, gloomy punishment cells and narrow barred passages - after seeing all this, you begin to appreciate freedom in the best possible way.

A little history

The history of Alcatraz began at the end of the 18th century, when the island was discovered by a Spanish navigator and named it Pelicanium (this is how “Alcatraz” is translated from Spanish). A century later, during the Gold Rush, a lighthouse appeared here, and a little later, construction began on a fort to protect gold-bearing territories, which was later equipped with 110 long-range guns. The gold dried up, and the fort was no longer needed - so at the beginning of the 20th century, the first prison appeared here, first for prisoners of war, and then for especially dangerous federal criminals. In the entire history of Alcatraz, not a single successful escape has been made from here - the perfect security system and natural isolation by the stormy waters of San Francisco Bay left no chance for the fugitives. The most famous prisoner of Alcatraz is the legendary Al Capone, who spent seven years in prison.

What to see

Alcatraz Prison Tours are one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. Motorboats with tourists regularly depart from Pier No. 33 to the island; at least 15 departures per day every half hour. It is possible to visit Alcatraz at night, as well as combine a trip with nearby Angel Island.

Acquaintance with Alcatraz begins at its pier: a steep climb leads to the fort-prison, and around it there are picturesque gardens full of flowering plants. From the war period of history, Alcatraz inherited impressively sized cannons, as well as a considerable number of museum exhibits - binoculars, military uniforms, household items for the inhabitants of the fort, etc. When visiting the prison premises, you will see blocks of cells where prisoners were kept, isolation wards and punishment cells, kitchen, dining room and hall for Sunday masses, as well as an extensive courtyard. In the Alcatraz Museum you can see original keys with the letter “A”, whistles and weapons of guards, handcuffs and shackles, photographs, daily routines, art objects of prisoners and materials on failed escapes, for example, fake heads made by prisoners from soap, wire and hair, which they intended to put on the bunks to hide the fact of their absence.

The most famous prisoner of Alcatraz is the legendary Al Capone, who spent seven years in prison.

Information for visitors

Ticket price is 39.90 USD for adults and 24.40 USD for children. The journey to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes; you should set aside 2-2.5 hours to explore the prison. You can return to San Francisco at any time of the return motorboat departure until 18:30.

Prices on the page are for April 2019.

Alcatraz prison, the photo of which is located below, is now considered one of the most important attractions in the vicinity of San Francisco. It was built on the island of the same name. Although the correctional facility was closed more than 50 years ago, about one million tourists visit it annually as a monument to American history.

Founding history

Until 1861, Alcatraz Island was used as the location of lighthouses for navigation in the bay. They indicated to the ships that rocky shores were approaching. In the sixties of the nineteenth century, during the Civil War, this piece of land became a place where prisoners were sent. At the beginning of the twentieth century, they were replaced by representatives of criminals. When their number exceeded 500 people, the American state authorities decided to build a large three-story detention center here. As a result of this, Alcatraz prison was built. Its history shows that the prisoners not only studied themselves and performed various chores, but even acquired their own baseball team. Be that as it may, despite the relatively comfortable conditions for prisoners compared to other institutions of this kind, in the fifties the prison had the status of a harsh colony.

Reconstruction

When the Great Depression began in the United States, the country was overwhelmed by crime along with poverty. Bribery flourished on the territory of the state, and gangster gangs essentially seized power. In 1934, the government decided to transfer the prison to the balance of the Ministry of Justice. His officials were tasked with reforming Alcatraz. The prison was supposed to be both an exemplary correctional institution and the worst place for prisoners on the planet. As a result, it was rebuilt, and the number of cells increased to 600. After this, the colony became the last refuge for crime bosses, murderers, robbers and even maniacs.

Schedule

The day of any prisoner in this prison began at 6.30. At this time, the cells were opened, and the prisoners went to the dining room for breakfast. Half an hour later they started work. At 11.40 there was a short break for lunch. The criminals carried out all kinds of work until 16.13. After dinner, they were allowed to do personal business in their cells. At 21.30 the lights out was announced. Alcatraz is a prison that became famous for its strict control of prisoners. In particular, unscheduled searches of cells could be carried out here at any time. Throughout the day, the overseers conducted 13 roll calls.

The Notoriety of Alcatraz

Most criminals were very afraid of this correctional institution. Since the twenties of the last century, any dangerous gangster could be sure that if he was caught by law enforcement officers, he would definitely go here. Common offenders were never sent by direct court order to serve their sentences in Alcatraz. The prison was used as a place of detention only for so-called enemies of the state and especially dangerous criminals. Representatives of the criminal underworld knew that it was almost impossible to return alive from this place. This is due not only to long prison terms, but also to the unreality of escape.

There was a period in the history of the colony when prisoners were forbidden to make any sounds while in their cells. Violation of this rule led to severe punishment. For many people, long hours in silence became real psychological torture, so they went crazy.

Prisoner status

The American prison Alcatraz was distinguished by the presence of separate rules related to the status of prisoners. Absolutely all prisoners had equal rights. An exception was not made even for the famous Al Capone, who upon arrival in this colony did not receive any privileges.

At the same time, criminals were divided into groups depending on their degree of danger. There were no common cells here, so the prisoners spent most of their time completely alone. Each of them was given the right to a roof over their head, food (usually very primitive), a uniform, a monthly haircut and a weekly shave. The opportunity to work, paint or play sports had to be earned. A punishment cell was provided for malicious regime violators, bullies and brawlers. However, there are legends that it was much more terrible for a prisoner to be in a cell that overlooked the city. Freedom was so close that many of them simply went crazy.

Prison plan

All prisoners knew that escaping from this colony was impossible. The reason for this was the well-thought-out plan of Alcatraz prison. A building was erected for the prisoners, the cells of which had heavy-duty bars. All rooms were equipped with automation, and tear gas canisters were even stored in the kitchen for use in emergency situations. There was no point in undermining or tearing down the wall, since the cameras were adjacent to one another.

Another interesting nuance was that for each warden there were on average three prisoners, which is several times less compared to other similar institutions. A high wall with barbed wire on top was erected around the territory of the colony. There is one more feature that stood out and frightened all representatives of the criminal underworld in the Alcatraz prison: the island in San Francisco Bay is located at a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the continent. Sheer cliffs, along with the constantly prevailing tides and fierce winds, as well as icy water and strong currents, reduced the likelihood of a successful rescue to zero in the event of an escape. This is not surprising, because it is difficult even for a professional swimmer to cope with such natural conditions. It should also be noted that only warm water was constantly turned on in the prison showers. In this regard, the prisoner’s body got used to the heat, so he could not stand a possible swim in the cold bay.

Escape attempts

Over the thirty years of existence of this correctional institution, 14 escape attempts were recorded, which were organized by 34 criminals. Among them, seven people were shot by the guards, two drowned, five went missing, and the rest were returned to their cells. However, one of the attempts remains the subject of much controversy even now. Some historians argue that it was successful, so it can be assumed that Alcatraz prison was not that well thought out.

The escape attempt occurred in 1962. Then Frank Morris, in collusion with the Anglin brothers, built a drill from a metal spoon, a coin and a vacuum cleaner motor. With its help, they gradually picked out pieces of concrete in order to dig a passage to the previously discovered unprotected service tunnel. After they succeeded, they made dummies of their bodies from concrete and laid them in beds. Next, the attackers walled up the hole on the back side, climbed out onto the roof through the ventilation and went down to the sea through a drainpipe. After this, the criminals built a raft from rubber raincoats and set sail. Their further fate is unknown. According to the official version, they all drowned, and their bodies were carried far away by the current. At the same time, as an experiment in the program “MythBusters” on the Discovery Channel shows, such an escape is quite possible. Moreover, one of the prison historians claims that a few months later the relatives of the Anglin brothers received a postcard signed by them from South America.

Alcatraz and cinema

Alcatraz prison, a photo of which can be seen as an ominous set for many television series filmed in the United States, has become the main theme for more than ten famous films. The vast majority of artistic paintings describe the difficult fate of a prisoner who was imprisoned within the walls of this correctional institution. It is impossible not to mention the series of the same name with a science fiction theme. The most famous film about Alcatraz was filmed in 1996. It was called “The Rock”, and gained its popularity and good box office receipts primarily thanks to the film crew, headed by director Michael Bay, as well as the famous cast (Sean Connery played the main role in the film).

Speaking about the most believable works, it is necessary to mention the film “Escape from Alcatraz”, shot in 1979. It tells about the most famous escape attempt from here, which was discussed in more detail earlier.

Closing

March 21, 1963 was marked for the residents of San Francisco by the fact that Alcatraz was closed on that day. The prison was very expensive for local authorities. This was the reason for this decision. At that time, several options for the further use of the island were considered. In 1969, Indians moved here and promised to establish a cultural center for the Native American population. They painted the walls and started burning fires en masse, causing serious damage to the buildings. The state government expelled the Aboriginal people from here in the summer of 1971. The former colony was then considered part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Two years later, a museum was opened here. Its visitors are allowed to enter the cells, handcuff themselves, walk around the yard or visit the library.

Current state

The prison on Alcatraz Island, located in close proximity to a large metropolis, has gained high prestige among Americans these days. This has a lot to do with the legends, stories and various interesting facts associated with it. Every year on the first day of summer, a triathlon competition is held in San Francisco, which is called “Escape from Alcatraz.” Its participants will have to overcome the bay, where the water temperature rarely rises above 14 degrees, after which they will bike 29 kilometers and run 13 kilometers. The competition is considered one of the most difficult and prestigious in the world.

In addition, once a year, basketball markings are applied inside the prison and hoops are installed. This is done to conduct the final stage of streetball, in which basketball players play one on one, and the losing participant leaves the court. It should be noted that the atmosphere during these competitions is fully consistent with the spirit of a harsh correctional facility.

Spread over 22 acres of land, the infamous Alcatraz Island is filled with frightening stories and incredible legends. The rocky shore in San Francisco Bay has been a haven for seabirds for millennia, but has become notorious for its captives. Called "Devil's Island" by Native Americans, Alcatraz has long been associated with violence and supernatural forces. On the island there was a military fortress, a prison with inhabitants who had committed “grave and irredeemable” crimes. Alcatraz survived years of abandonment in the company of ghosts, and was a movie set. To get a closer look at the rocky island, we'll take a seat on the ferry at pier 33 in San Francisco Bay.

A mile and a quarter from the San Francisco coastline are the Alcatraz cliffs, which occupied the first line of defense of the bay during the Gold Rush. Defense troops and artillery in the 1850s were ready to repel the attack.

The first myth is probably about Fort Alcatraz's ability to repel an attack. The island's artillery was not able to conduct direct aimed fire.

On July 1876, a mock battle was fought. A barge filled with explosives entered the bay, and the artillery was preparing to destroy the imaginary aggressor with the fire of its guns.

Things didn't work out. Alcatraz's guns did not reach their intended target. Then the young officer, under the cover of a smoke screen, set fire to the ship of an imaginary enemy, preventing him from filling the bay with explosives, thereby ensuring the safety of the peaceful life of the bay.

In the end, Alcatraz's cannons were dismantled without firing a single shot at the enemy.

Alcatraz prison has the most unfading glory.

In 1934, the island became the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, for the most criminals. The island is washed by the cold water of San Francisco Bay, making escape from Alcatraz almost impossible, and this is the next myth.

They escaped from Alcatraz, but never returned. Did those who escaped survive? Nobody knows, but there are plenty of theories, which provides ample ground for all sorts of interpretations.

Compared to the myths, Alcatraz's statistics are not impressive. Its 366 cells were never fully occupied. There were, on average, 260 prisoners, not a single woman among them. During its 29 years of service as a federal prison, no more than 1,600 convicts passed through Alcatraz.

Escape from Alcatraz

The most famous escape from Alcatraz by a trio of brave men who exploited all the weaknesses of the fortress took place in June 1962. After 29 years of existence, the prison fell into disrepair under the leadership of drunkard Olin G, known as "Gypsy Blackwell." The lack of funding affected everything.

On the night of the escape, Frank Morris and his brothers John and Clarence Anglin managed to escape from their cells and climb to the roof. From there to the shore of the island, where we used a homemade raft from scrap materials.

Where and how did they get life jackets, raft parts and even doll heads to fool the guards when going around the cells?

They widened the ventilation hole and entered the corridor behind the cell. Then they were able to climb through the pipes to the top of block C. Then, through the ventilation duct, they climbed onto the roof and, there it was, the starry sky above your head!

An accomplice of the fugitives, Allen West, received permission from security to cover a huge area of ​​the roof with blankets, supposedly to protect against dust and paint during repairs.

Thus, in the “most guarded” prison, “completely excluding the possibility of escape,” a secret plan worked, deceiving the Alcatraz guards. They only had to look into the storage room above Block C to find floating objects, fasteners, glue and even a homemade periscope.

But that did not happen. And for months, with great care, the fugitives were able to build a raft.

Under the cover of other prisoners, the escape took place in 1962. The administration of the penal system managed to hide the incident from the public for a long time. The escape became known only in 1990, when classified FBI materials were disclosed.

The terrifying image of Alcatraz, guarded by impassive guards, turned out to be a myth. At least in the last years of the prison's existence. Be that as it may, the legendary place of serving sentences was closed a year after the escape of three friends.

They were actively searching for the fugitives, combing the shores. There are many known cases when the distance from the island to the shores of the bay was overcome by swimming, but our heroes were probably carried out by the current into the Pacific Ocean. All that was found later were fragments of the raft, oars and personal photographs.

No body was found, although a Norwegian ship reported a drowned man floating face down, similar in description and location to one of the escapees.

The FBI transferred the case to the US Department of Corrections on December 31, 1979, which cannot be closed until each of the fugitives turns 100 years old, or they or their bodies are discovered. The term expires in 2026, 2030 and 2031.

Reports of people similar to the Alcatraz escapees come from all over the world, but have never been confirmed. Some claim that the three anti-heroes have settled in South America. Skeptics insist that they could not overcome the current at night from the San Francisco Bay and died long ago. A minority believes that the fugitives managed to get lost and hide outside the prison.

The case manager for the fugitives, Michael Dyke, has half a dozen more like them on his hands. Each year he focuses on the 1962 Alcatraz escapees. But after 52 years, very little or nothing of the observations, rumors, theories has surfaced.

Bottom line: Nobody Knows what happened to the fugitives.

By the way, what about sharks? Ruthless cannibals filling the waters of the bay? Myth. Sand sharks predominate and do not prey on humans.

Bird lover.

Alcatraz was home to hundreds of bad guys, including Al Capone, "Machine Gun Georges," Kelly, and Robert Stroud, known as the Alcatraz "Bird Lover."

The story of the “bird lover” gave rise to another type of myth about Alcatraz, according to which the criminals who ended up here became kind and inquisitive. This idyllic story came to the silver screen in 1962, starring Burt Lancaster as Robert Stroud.

Stroud collected unique observations and studies of birds that were published posthumously. The public also saw two more of his books, an autobiography and a description of the US prison system.

Stroud was as complicated as birds talk. An impulsive killer and violent psychopath, whose temper subsided only with age. Entering the prison system as a 19-year-old, he never left, spending 42 of his 52 years behind bars in solitary confinement.

Being a “bird lover,” Stroud conducted all his research at Fort Leavenworth, and not at Alcatraz, according to legend. Alcatraz is home to countless birds, but Stroud was not allowed to make observations here.

The film also portrays Stroud as the man who stopped the armed riot. This did not happen. The prisoners who got out of control and took possession of weapons were killed with weapons in their hands.

Ghosts of Alcatraz.

Considering the number of souls that passed through these stone vaults, the walls must have been saturated with despair and hatred. This makes it possible for ghosts to appear and stories about them. Numerous photographs of the rocks of Alcatraz did not capture a single lost soul.

According to one legend, since the Civil War, a mustachioed soldier in an officer’s jacket has been wandering along the shores of Alcatraz. The remaining ghosts take a wide variety of forms, appearing as shadows, mists, cold spots, little girls, a pink face, and even a yellow cat.

They are quite noisy, whining, crying and begging for help. They manipulate objects by clinking chains, shooting, and even playing the accordion.

Al Capone was heard playing the banjo, as he had done earlier in the bathroom.

Invisible shadows follow you, sometimes touching you, sometimes pouring cold on you, causing a feeling of fear.

The greatest activity of ghosts is in the three-story block D, known as the “correctional block.” Six isolated cells contained the instigators of the disorder. The greatest ghost activity was reported in cell 14D, the so-called “strip cell” where prisoners were thrown without clothes.

Cell 14D is behind double doors, dark, damp and unsettling. Surely the most undesirable place to spend time in the company of ghosts.

None of the stories sincerely told by guards, prisoners, visitors, or parapsychologists has yet been confirmed. No feeling of fear can be assessed or recorded. No one can describe with confidence and detail their experiences when it comes to the paranormal. If stories do not have confirmation, then they are unconfirmed.

Are there ghosts in Alcatraz? There is no evidence yet, but there are a lot of exciting myths. No one will doubt that Alcatraz has a terrifying appearance.

Alcatraz today.

There's much more to Alcatraz than mystery and fear. The nature of the island, the cultural occupation by Native Americans from 1969 to 1971, and many colorful personalities associated with this place.

These days, Alcatraz is one of the stops on the way to the mysterious. The island is very popular with tourists and is part of the US Park Service. Instead of ghosts, you will be met at the pier by rosy-cheeked rangers who will introduce you to the attraction. Instead of taciturn guards and prisoners plotting their escape, the corridors of the fortress are filled with curious tourists. Where can you hear the clanging of metal? This is a busy cash register in a souvenir shop where you can buy anything from a trinket to a prison uniform with a number. Even the dull area of ​​the yard now has a green lawn, and the entire area has been transformed thanks to landscape design.

Translation by Vladimir Maksimenko 2013-2014

In the United States, in San Francisco Bay, there is a very controversial, but always arousing curiosity, Alcatraz Island. It was opened in 1775 and was first used for military purposes as a fort. It was here that the first lighthouse in the western United States was installed. However, this island soon became the most famous prison in America. Alcatraz, isolated from the rest of the world by the cold and stormy waters of the bay, as if nature itself was destined for its dark role.

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Initially, it was a military prison in which prisoners, deserters and those who committed crimes of varying severity were held. At that time, the bulk of prisoners were young people aged 20-28 years. The conditions of detention were not particularly strict. By the end of the 1920s, it even had its own baseball field. But very harsh penalties were applied to those who violated discipline.

In 1934, during the reconstruction of the building, electricity was installed in the cells, tunnels were walled up, and tear gas containers were placed in crowded areas. From that moment on, the prison became federal. Only the most dangerous criminals were directly sent to Alcatraz, while the rest were transferred from other prisons after they committed violations, failed escape attempts, or refused to obey.

Despite many measures of influence, prisoners considered the so-called policy of silence to be one of the most painful punishments. Its essence was the prohibition of talking and making any sounds for a very long time. They were also afraid of being placed in an isolation cell - a solitary cell without a full toilet, which was dark and cold.

Prison Breaks

However, even the obvious futility of attempts to escape did not stop the prisoners. Many people tried to escape from Alcatraz to freedom. Some of them were forced to turn back to escape the cold waters, others died from hypothermia. Several people went missing. Maybe they were the lucky ones who were destined to accomplish the impossible?

The most famous of the prisoners who were never found are the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris. They made the most ingenious escape in the history of the prison. They thought through the plan down to the smallest detail, which ensured the success of the enterprise. In 1979, the film “Escape from Alcatraz” was made about this.

Notable prisoners

The prison also gained wide popularity thanks to its famous prisoners. The most recognizable, perhaps, is Al Capone, an American gangster who began serving his sentence in Alcatraz in 1934. The greatest criminal spent 7 years within these walls. He came out already terminally ill and a man who had lost his criminal authority.

In 1963, due to the economic unprofitability of maintaining the prison, which required very large financial costs, it was closed. By that time, there were only 27 slaves in it. Almost never the cameras (and there are less than 600 of them) were fully equipped. Over 29 years, only about 1,600 men served their sentences there. There were no women held in this prison.

How to get to the island

The island has been operating as a tourist site since 1973 and is part of a recreation area called the Golden Gate. It arouses genuine interest among people all over the world with its unusual history. The prison was converted into a museum, where traces of the prisoners' stay remain to this day.

You can get to the island by ferry from San Francisco, which departs from Pier 33. Since there are many people who want to visit Alcatraz, you need to take care of tickets in advance. The excursion includes a visit to the interior of the prison - cells, isolation ward, room for meeting visitors, dining room, shower room. You can also look at the stands where real photographs of prisoners and the officers guarding them are posted, and take a walk along the main corridor of the building, called Broadway. From the window you can see the area reserved for prisoners' walks.

Legends and ghosts

Americans call this place “Devil's Island” because of the many legends associated with it. Museum workers can tell hundreds of incredible stories about various paranormal phenomena that allegedly occur within these walls. According to unconfirmed reports, on the shore you can find the ghost of a mustachioed officer, and in the prison building - Al Capone playing the banjo.

The very position of the island already causes some excitement and awe - a piece of land cut off from the mainland is washed on all sides by stormy streams of water. It is located 2.5 km from the nearest shore. But the area of ​​Alcatraz is very small - about 9 hectares. Because of this isolation, many tourists have anxious thoughts. And the myths and superstitions associated with this place can even cause fear.

According to local stories, the camera number 14D is the most popular among ghosts. At one time, she was part of the correctional corps, where riot instigators were thrown for correction. This is a gloomy, dark and damp room, which will tickle the nerves of even the most inveterate cynics.

Night excursions

Currently, the island has transformed from a dull and inhospitable area into an excellent walking area thanks to the masters of landscape design. Positive, smiling people work here, and the corridors of the prison are crowded with noisy tourists. All this does not allow us to forget that now it is just a museum. However, in order to maintain the image of a mystical place, night excursions are organized for particularly intrepid visitors.

Despite many dark legends and a dubious reputation, Alcatraz is visited annually by about a million people from all over the world. This place has a special energy that evokes its own emotions in everyone. Many people want to see this famous prison, feel its atmosphere, and visit the premises where gangsters and other dangerous criminals roamed just recently. And the most impressionable may even be able to meet one of the mysterious ghosts.

Alcatraz on the geographical map of the world is a small island located in San Francisco Bay. Another name for it is The Rock.

The island has an interesting history. At one time, its territory was used as a defensive fort, a little later it housed a military prison, and then its building turned into a highly secure prison, where especially dangerous criminals were kept, as well as those who in the past tried to escape from a previous place of imprisonment.

Currently there is a museum on the island. You can get there by ferry that runs from San Francisco.

When was the island discovered?

The first explorer to enter San Francisco Bay was the Spaniard Juan Manuel de Ayala. Together with his team, he visited there in 1775 and drew up a map of the bay. He also gave the name La Isla de Los Alcatraces to one of the three islands located there. Translated from Spanish, it meant “pelican island.” According to some researchers, this name could have been given due to the abundance of these birds on this piece of land. However, according to ornithologists, there are no pelican colonies on the island or near it. This territory is a place favored by cormorants and other large waterfowl.

In 1828, the English geographer Captain Frederick Beechey made a mistake. When drawing up his map, he transferred from Spanish documents the name of the island given by Juan Manuel de Ayala to the neighboring one. Currently, this area is known as the site of a famous prison called Island Alcatrazes. Further, in 1851, the name of the island was slightly shortened by the topographical service. This place became known as Alcatraz.

Construction of a lighthouse

In 1848, gold deposits were discovered in California. This fact led to thousands of ships entering San Francisco Bay. This created an urgent need for the construction of a lighthouse. The first of them was installed and began to work in the summer of 1853 on Alcatraz Island. Three years later, a bell was installed at this lighthouse, used during heavy fog.

In 1909, construction of a prison began on the island. At the same time, the first lighthouse, which served for 56 years, was dismantled. The second similar structure was installed on Alcatraz on December 1, 1909, not far from the prison building. In 1963 this lighthouse was modified. Having become autonomous and automatic, it no longer required round-the-clock maintenance.

Fort

The gold rush that arose in these places led to the need to protect the bay. That is why the construction of a fort began on the island in 1850, by decree issued by the President of the United States. On the territory of this defensive structure, long-range guns were installed, the number of which exceeded 110 units. Somewhat later, the fort began to be used to house prisoners within its walls. However, in 1909, by order of the army command, the structure was demolished to the foundation. By 1912, a new building was erected for criminals.

Military prison

Alcatraz Island's location provides it with natural isolation from land. After all, it is located in the very middle of San Francisco Bay and is surrounded by icy water, as well as powerful sea currents. All this contributed to the fact that the island began to be considered by the leadership of the US Army as an ideal place for holding prisoners of war. The first of them were sent to Alcatraz prison in 1861. These were people from various states captured during the Civil War. In 1898, the United States took part in hostilities with the Spanish. This war led to an increase in the number of prisoners who also ended up in Alcatraz prison. So, from 26 people it increased to 450.

The history of Alcatraz prison began to develop in a slightly different direction after the earthquake that occurred in 1906. A natural disaster destroyed most of San Francisco, forcing authorities to move several hundred civilian prisoners to the island. This was done primarily for safety reasons.

In 1912, Alcatraz prison was expanded. An impressive building was erected on the island. By 1920, this three-story building was almost completely “occupied” by prisoners.

The history of Alcatraz prison allows us to judge it as a place that was particularly strict towards violators. Here, prisoners who disobeyed discipline faced the harshest punishments. In the army's first long-term prison, violators were sent to hard labor and could also be placed in solitary confinement, given a limited ration of bread and water. But the list of disciplinary sanctions was not limited to this.

Among military inmates at Alcatraz prison, the average age was 24 years. Most of them served sentences for desertion or some less serious offenses. There were also those in Alcatraz prison who were sent here for a long period for physical violence and disobedience to commanders, murder or theft.

Military order forbade the people there to stay in the cell during the day. The only exceptions were special cases of forced imprisonment. High-ranking military personnel who committed certain disciplinary offenses were also placed here. These prisoners in Alcatraz prison were able to move quite freely around its territory. They were only forbidden to enter the security premises, located one level above.

But in general, despite the adoption of severe disciplinary measures against criminals, the regime here could not be called strict. Most of the prisoners performed household chores for those families who lived on the island where the Alcatraz prison is located. A select few of them were sometimes trusted to look after the children. At times, prisoners took advantage of the vulnerable security organization to escape. However, the very location of the Alcatraz prison prevented them from reaching the mainland. Most of the fugitives were forced to turn back because of the icy water. Anyone who dared to get to the shore died in the bay from hypothermia.

Alcatraz prison (see photo below) gradually softened its rules.

By the late 1920s, prisoners housed there were allowed to set up a baseball field and even wear their own sports uniforms. Boxing competitions were organized between criminals on Friday evenings. These fights were so popular that even civilians living in San Francisco gathered to watch them.

For how many years was Alcatraz used as a prison by the military? The Department of Defense closed it in 1934. This happened after 73 years of use due to the high costs that were associated with the location of the Alcatraz prison, since supplies were carried out only by boat transport from the shore. After this, the structures located on the island were transferred to the Ministry of Justice.

Federal prison

A high surge in crime rates was noted in the United States between the late 1920s and mid-1930s. This was facilitated by the Great Depression that arose in the country.

During this period, organized crime began to emerge in the form of individual gangs and mafia families, which unleashed a real war for spheres of influence. Law enforcement officials and civilians often became victims in this battle. Gangsters controlled power in cities. The criminals gave bribes to officials so that they would turn a blind eye to the lawlessness that was happening.

The authorities' response to the war waged by gangsters was to reopen the famous Alcatraz prison. Only now it has become federal.

A similar decision was made by the US government due to the fact that Alcatraz prison is located on an inaccessible island, and this makes it possible to isolate criminals from society, frightening those offenders who are still at large. The head of the Federal Prisons, Sanford Bates, and Attorney General Homer Cummings initiated the development of a project to reconstruct the prison. For this purpose, they invited Robert Burge, who at that time was considered the best expert in the field of security. His task was to draw up a new prison project. The reconstruction of the building was major. The entire building, except for the foundation, was destroyed, and then a new structure was built on this site.

Already in April 1934, where war criminals were housed in Alcatraz prison, a building with a new face and a new focus appeared. So, if before the reconstruction the bars and gratings were made of wood, then after the redevelopment they became steel. Also, electricity appeared in each cell, and it was decided to completely wall up the service tunnels so that prisoners would not be able to hide in them and subsequently escape. Special weapon galleries also appeared in the prison building. They were placed above the level of the cells in order to protect the guards, who now kept their watch behind iron bars.

The most vulnerable place for scuffles and fights has always been the prison canteen. That is why this Alcatraz room was equipped with containers filled with tear gas. Located on the ceiling, they were controlled remotely.

Security towers were located along the perimeter of the prison building, in the most strategically suitable areas. The door equipment has also changed. Electrical sensors were installed in them.

In total, Alcatraz prison (photo inside the building is shown below) had 600 cells. At the same time, the building was divided into four blocks - B, C, F and D.

This made it possible to significantly expand the area of ​​the prison, which before the reconstruction could accommodate no more than 300 prisoners. The security measures introduced, combined with the icy waters of the bay surrounding the island, created an impregnable barrier even for those criminals who were considered incorrigible.

Boss

The new prison needed a new leader. The Federal Bureau of Prisons appointed James A. Johnston to this position. He was chosen for his strict principles and humane approach to reforming criminals, which allowed them to be reintegrated into society upon release. Johnston was also known for his reforms, which were carried out for the benefit of prisoners. This man did not see criminals as convicts shackled by a single chain. He believed that they needed to be involved in work where they would feel respected and understand that their efforts would certainly be rewarded. The press wrote laudatory articles about Johnston, calling him “the head of the golden rule.”

Before his appointment to Alcatraz, this man served as director of San Quentin prison. There he introduced a number of educational programs that became very successful and had a beneficial effect on most of the prisoners. But at the same time, Johnston was a strict disciplinarian. The rules he established were considered the strictest in the entire correctional system, and the punishments applied were the most severe. Johnston had personally attended the hangings at San Quentin and was well aware of the best way to deal with incorrigible criminals.

Prison life

The decision to serve the sentence in Alcatraz was not issued by the courts. Criminals came here from other prisons for their special “differences.” After Alcatraz came under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice, the rules here underwent radical changes. For example, each prisoner was given his own cell. In addition, criminals had minimal privileges that allowed them to receive water and food, clothing, medical and dental care. It was strictly forbidden to have personal belongings. Anyone who wanted to communicate with visitors, borrow a book from the prison library, or write a letter had to earn this right through impeccable behavior and work. At the same time, those criminals who were considered violators of discipline were not allowed to work. In case of the slightest offense, privileges were immediately revoked.

In Alcatraz, all media, including newspapers, were banned. Letters written by prisoners were subject to correction by a prison official.

Any chief who headed one of the federal prisons had the right to transfer prisoners to Alcatraz. Despite the prevailing opinion, not only gangsters were sent here. Those who posed a particular danger were also kept in this prison on the island. For example, fugitives and rebels, as well as those who constantly sought to violate the regime, were sent to Alcatraz from other prisons. Of course, there were gangsters among the criminals on the island, but for the most part they were, as a rule, sentenced to death.

The prison day began with getting up at 6:30 am. Then, within 25 minutes, the prisoners had to clean the cell, after which they had to go to the bars for roll call. At 6:55 a.m., if everyone was there, the doors opened and the criminals were led into the dining room. They were given 20 minutes to eat. After this, the prisoners lined up and received prison work.

The whole life of these people turned into a monotonous routine cycle that was not subject to any changes for many years. The largest corridor in the building was called “Broadway” by the prisoners, and the most desirable cells for them were the cells located along this passage, but only on the second tier. They were warm and no one walked past them.

Appointed to lead Alcatraz, Johnston adhered to a policy of silence at the initial stage of his work. This was considered by many prisoners to be the most intolerable punishment. In this regard, they complained and demanded its cancellation. They said that several criminals even went crazy because of this policy. This rule was later removed, one of the few maintenance changes on the island.

The eastern wing of the prison was reserved for solitary confinement cells. The toilet in them was an ordinary hole, the flush of which was controlled by a security guard. Criminals were placed in such cells without outer clothing, and they were given rather meager rations. The doors of the isolation cells had a narrow gap through which the prisoners were given food. The cell was always closed, and the person in it was in the dark. They were placed in isolation for 1-2 days. It was very cold inside. The mattress was only provided for the night. Being in this wing was considered the most severe punishment for bad behavior and serious violations. Every prisoner was afraid to get here.

Escapes

Many people dreamed of breaking free and leaving Alcatraz. However, this was almost impossible to do. The most successful escape attempt, which was probably crowned with success, was carried out in 1962 by brothers John and Clarence Anglin. These criminals used a homemade drill, with which they dug cement out of the walls. Having carefully studied the guard shift schedule and other nuances, on June 11, 1962, the prisoners escaped through the service tunnel, which was located behind their cells. They left a dummy body on the sleeping place of each of the criminals. The fugitives blocked the hole in the tunnel from the inside with bricks. Such measures were necessary so that the guards would become aware of their absence as late as possible.

Next, the criminals entered the roof through the ventilation system and went down the drainage channel. Having reached the bay, they built a homemade raft by inflating rubber raincoats prepared in advance with a small accordion. According to the official version, the fugitives were unable to swim to the shore. However, their bodies were not found in the bay. There is also an unofficial version of what happened. According to many independent experts, the escape in 1962 was still successful, and the prisoners were freed. The show “Mythbusters” was also interested in this story at one time. Its organizers conducted their own investigation, the results of which convincingly proved the fact that the escape could well have been successful.

Another, quite possibly successful, escape occurred on December 16, 1937. On this day, Theodore Cole and his friend Ralph Rowe (workers of the workshop where iron was processed) removed the bars from the window during one of their shifts and went to the waters of the bay. However, that day a strong storm raged, and, judging by the official version, the fugitives drowned. However, their bodies were not found. Perhaps the criminals were carried out to the open sea. But these fugitives are still considered missing in the United States.

In total, from the beginning of its existence to the closure of the Alcatraz prison, there were 14 escape attempts, in which 34 people took part. Moreover, two of them did it twice. As a result, seven of these criminals were shot by the guards, the five mentioned above went missing, two drowned, and the rest were returned to their cells.

Closing the prison

The last prisoners left the inhospitable island on March 21, 1963. This is the date the Alcatraz prison was closed. The decree to cease the activities of the legendary structure was signed by the US Attorney General (brother of John Kennedy, the then-current US President).

Why was Alcatraz prison closed? The official version explained this decision by the excessive expenses that the government allocated for the maintenance of prisoners. After all, everything (food, water, fuel, etc.) was brought here from the mainland. In addition, salt water gradually destroyed the buildings, causing the prison to require $3-5 million worth of repairs.

Alcatraz today

After the prison was officially closed, the national government discussed various ways to use the island. One of these options was to place a UN monument on it.

In 1971, the island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and became a prison museum. Today, Alcatraz is one of the most important attractions in San Francisco and is very popular among tourists. Thousands of visitors arrive here on ferries every day, eager to experience the captivating atmosphere of this prison.

The glory of Alcatraz today is being exploited in every possible way. Hotels with the same names are open in Germany and England. They offer their clients to stay in a small room with all the amenities. Of course, such numbers can hardly be compared with the real Alcatraz.

In 1996, the film “The Rock” was released on cinema screens. This is a film about Alcatraz prison with Nicolas Cage, directed by American director Michael Bay. The film tells the viewer about the story of the theft of missiles with deadly gas, which was carried out by a general of the elite US special forces with his subordinates. The military took hostage visitors to the former Alcatraz prison and made demands for the transfer of money to the families of military personnel who died during secret operations.