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With a rich, legendary past and as the source of countless tales, Alcatraz Island has captivated the imaginations of many. Whether or not you’ve had the chance to visit this notorious island off the coast of San Francisco, there are plenty of fascinating facts that may surprise you. Here are 15 fun and weird facts about Alcatraz that are sure to make you see “The Rock” in a whole new light.
Long before it became a prison, Alcatraz was a military outpost. In the 1850s, the U.S. government outfitted the island with over 100 cannons in an effort to protect San Francisco from foreign invaders during the Gold Rush. Later on, these cannons played a key role in discouraging Confederate forces from trying to claim California during the Civil War.
Alcatraz was home to the very first lighthouse built on the West Coast of the United States. Constructed in 1852, the original lighthouse guided ships safely into the San Francisco Bay. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1906 destroyed it, but a stronger one was built in its place and is still in operation today.
When the U.S. Army left Alcatraz in the early 20th century, the island’s military structures were deconstructed, leaving only the basement foundations. Military prisoners were then forced to build what would become the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, completing the disciplinary barracks with their own hands.
Contrary to its reputation as housing only the worst of the worst, Alcatraz wasn’t all doom and gloom. One major perk of being an inmate there was that most prisoners had their own cell, due to the island’s strict schedule and segregation practices. This made life inside Alcatraz less violent than in other overcrowded prisons of the time.
Believe it or not, inmates at Alcatraz had access to hot showers. While it might seem like a luxury, it was also a clever tactic—authorities believed that by allowing the prisoners to enjoy hot water, they’d be less inclined to try escaping through the freezing waters of the San Francisco Bay.
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Another surprising fact is that Alcatraz had one of the best kitchens in the federal prison system. Inmates were provided with a balanced diet and three hearty meals a day. Some believed that by keeping the prisoners well-fed, they’d be too lethargic to consider attempting an escape.
“Alcatraz is not an island. It is an idea.”
– Richard Oakes (Native American activist)
In the 1930s, Alcatraz imposed a strict “silent rule.” Inmates were forbidden to speak to each other except during meals or recreation time. Any prisoner who broke this rule faced severe punishment. However, after several years, the policy was deemed too harsh and was revoked.
Despite the strict surveillance and the freezing waters surrounding the island, some inmates still made daring escape attempts. Between 1934 and 1963, 36 prisoners tried to flee, though most were captured or killed. Five men, however, managed to vanish without a trace. Did they drown, or did they make it to shore? The mystery continues to this day.
“Alcatraz was never no good for nobody.” – Frank Weatherman, one of the last prisoners to leave Alcatraz when it closed in 1963.
Prisoners at Alcatraz weren’t just sitting in their cells all day. Many had jobs in the kitchen, laundry room, or on the docks. They were paid for their labor, earning anywhere from 5 to 12 cents an hour. It may not sound like much, but it gave them a way to stay occupied.
Inmates at Alcatraz were allowed time for recreation, and one of the most popular activities was softball. The prisoners would play on a makeshift field within the prison grounds, helping to relieve some of the tension that came with being incarcerated on “The Rock.”
“No one has ever escaped from Alcatraz… and no one ever will.”
– Warden James A. Johnston
Notorious gangster Al Capone, along with fellow criminal Machine Gun Kelly, served time at Alcatraz. Capone even joined the prison’s band, where he played the banjo. The prison band, composed of inmates, performed during Sunday services and other events, offering a rare moment of levity.
Alcatraz wasn’t just home to prisoners and guards. The families of the prison staff also lived on the island, in what had once been Civil War barracks. There were even facilities like a swimming pool and a bowling alley for the residents. Most families would take a boat to the mainland for groceries and supplies, making Alcatraz a community as well as a prison.
“It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked.”
– Al Capone
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed its doors in 1963—not because of an escape, but because of the financial burden. The saltwater of the bay was corroding the buildings, and the cost of maintaining the island, feeding the inmates, and providing supplies was three times higher than that of mainland prisons.
Alvin Francis “Creepy” Karpis holds the record for the longest stay at Alcatraz, spending 25 years behind bars. When Alcatraz closed, Karpis was transferred to another facility and eventually deported to his native Canada.
In 1969, a group of Native American activists occupied Alcatraz Island in protest of the U.S. government’s policies toward Native Americans. Their occupation lasted 19 months and brought national attention to the issue. President Nixon eventually responded to the protests by ending the government’s termination policy for Native American tribes.
“Break the rules and you go to prison. Break the prison rules, and you go to Alcatraz.” – Anonymous
With the prisoners long gone, Alcatraz has now become a sanctuary for seabirds. About 5,000 birds across nine different species call the island home, and visitors should be careful where they step—bird poop is everywhere!
Alcatraz is one of the most visited landmarks in San Francisco, attracting over 1.5 million visitors each year. The island became part of the National Park System in 1972, and today, visitors can explore the abandoned prison and take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.
When planning your visit, make sure you book with Alcatraz Cruises, the official tour operator. They provide round-trip transportation to the island and offer an in-depth look at the prison’s fascinating history.
“If you break out of prison, you escape. But if you break out of Alcatraz, you’re making history.” – Willie Radkay, former Alcatraz inmate
Alcatraz may no longer house hardened criminals, but it remains a compelling symbol of America’s history. From its days as a military fort to a federal penitentiary, to a sanctuary for both birds and activists, “The Rock” continues to draw curious minds and adventurous souls. So, the next time you visit San Francisco, take a ferry ride to Alcatraz and immerse yourself in the bizarre, fascinating world of one of the most famous prisons on the planet.
