Alcatraz: Looking Back at America's 1st SuperMax, 50 Years Later JBhof1 - YouTube
go to original March 25, 2013

Alcatraz Island - America's 1st SuperMax (JBhof1)

USP Alcatraz is infamous in American folklore. Alcatraz or "The Rock" was used by the Federal Government to confine the most aggressive and or dangerous inmates in the federal system from 1934 to 1963. Some of the most well known inmates held at Alcatraz include; Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, Arthur "Doc" Barker, Robert Stroud "The Birdman", and Alvin Karpis (America's 1st Public Enemy #1).

During its time of operation, Alcatraz housed a total of 1,576 prisoners. There were 14 separate escape attempts over the 29 years tried by 36 men. None are believed to have succeeded. Of the 36 men, 23 were caught, 6 were shot and killed, and 2 drowned in San Francisco Bay. The remaining 5 inmates were never seen again and are officially listed as missing and "presumed drowned or dead". Three of these 5 inmates were made famous in the Clint Eastwood movie "Escape from Alcatraz". The inmates portrayed in that movie were Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin.

Alcatraz was state of the art when it opened in 1934 and was designed to enforce strict controls over the inmate population assigned there. The prison was located on an isolated island located approximately 1 and ¼ mile from the nearest shore in San Francisco Bay. The frigid cold water and strong currents made the success of escape unlikely. During its first years of operation, inmates were not allowed to speak to each other. Alcatraz was designed as a maximum security institution. Listening devices were strategically placed throughout the prison to monitor any communication by the inmates. Armed officers were stationed throughout the island in several guard towers and even in elevated gun galleries located above the walkways within the cell block. Tear Gas canisters were affixed to the ceiling in the Dining Hall as a security measure to control the inmate population in the event of an emergency situation or conflict during meal times.

In addition to the main cell house, administrative building, and light house, Alcatraz Island also contained several other buildings and structures. Many officers and their families lived in apartments on the island as well as the institution's Warden, who lived in the Warden's House which was located just next to the light house. The island also contained a Rifle Range for the officers, an Officer's Club, a huge water tank (containing over 1,000,000 gallons of fresh water), a Prison Morgue, a Prison Industries Building (UNICOR Factory), a Chapel, an Infirmary, and much more.

Quick Facts

Alcatraz - Originally named "Alcatraces" by founder Juan Manuel de Ayala in 1775.

1850-1933 - Alcatraz owned and operated by U.S. Army, 1st as a fortified military site then as a disciplinary barracks. Site of the 1st Operational Lighthouse on the West Coast.

1934-1963 - Alcatraz transferred to U.S. Department of Justice for use as a Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary. USP Alcatraz is born and operates for 29 years.

1969-1971 - Native American Occupation of Alcatraz Island. While the occupation of Alcatraz may have aided in helping the Native American Indian Tribes achieve a public platform and national press for their causes (the treatment of Native Americans and the government's possession of tribal lands), the effects of that occupation, resulted in much damage and destruction to the island itself. Vandalism and graffiti to this historical landmark are a direct result of this action. Multiple fires on the island, started by unruly protesters, destroyed the Warden's Home, Officer's Club, and Lighthouse Keeper's House.

1972 - Alcatraz was transferred to the National Parks Service

1973 - Alcatraz opened to the public. First tour group arrives. Since opening for public tours, Alcatraz has become a very popular tourist attraction. Over 1,000,000 people visit "The Rock" every year.

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