The History of Alcatraz Prison by Caleb N.

By November 7, 2019

Off the misty coast of San Francisco, hidden amidst the fog, there lies a mysterious island. An island shrouded in mystery and bewilderment. Though it is no longer a prison, it’s dramatic history still hangs in the air and rumbles in the ground. It is called Alcatraz.
Between 1934 and 1963, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary housed some of the most dangerous criminals and felons. During the 1930’s, delinquency was out of control in the States. Banks were being robbed left and right. Gangsters killed anyone who got in their way. This crime had to be stopped. So federal authorities rounded up the worst criminals and ruffians and brought them to Alcatraz.
On October 12, 1933, Alcatraz island was made into a federal prison. It was the most protected penitentiary in the United States. Apart from an execution sentence, and prison term at Alcatraz was the worst penalty thinkable for inveterate criminals. Once the building were modernized and the security increased, Alcatraz was essentially unescapable, with at least one guard for every three prisoners. Even if the prisoners did escape the correctional facility there was still the sea to deal with. Alcatraz lies 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. Swimming that distance was out of the question. The main dangers were the frigid waters, strong currents, and the possibility of sharks. Escaping Alcatraz was unimaginable. Though fourteen attempts were made, none of them were successful. Some of the most popular inmates at Alcatraz were: Al Capone, Roy Gardner, Henry Young, Alvin Karpis, and Machine-gun Kelly.
Though Alcatraz prison shut down in 1963, it is still remembered as one of the greatest federal prisons in American history.

Peter Searby

Author Peter Searby

More posts by Peter Searby
X