The definitive history of Alcatraz Island begins not with prisoners, but with soldiers. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore issued an executive order designating the island for military use. By 1859, Fort Alcatraz was completed, serving as a critical defense post for San Francisco Bay during the Gold Rush and the American Civil War. Its role as a place of incarceration started soon after, holding its first military prisoners by 1859.
The Military Era (1850-1933)
For over 80 years, Alcatraz was a U.S. Army post. It was home to the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast, lit in 1854 to guide ships through the fog-laden Golden Gate. During the Civil War (1861-1865), the fort held Confederate sympathisers and privateers, its 111 cannons acting as a powerful deterrent. After the war, its defensive importance waned, and its primary function shifted towards incarceration.
From Fort to Military Prison
In 1907, Alcatraz was officially designated the "Pacific Branch, U.S. Military Prison." The iconic main cellhouse that visitors see today was constructed by military prisoners between 1909 and 1911. At the time of its completion, the cellhouse was the largest reinforced concrete building in the world. It served as a disciplinary barracks for soldiers convicted of crimes until its transfer to the civilian Bureau of Prisons.
The Federal Penitentiary Era (1934-1963)
In 1933, control of Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of Justice. It was repurposed as a maximum-security, minimum-privilege federal penitentiary designed to hold the "worst of the worst"—inmates who were considered incorrigible or escape risks at other prisons. On August 11, 1934, the first group of 137 federal prisoners arrived.
Life on The Rock
Alcatraz was never at full capacity, housing an average of 260-275 inmates at any given time. It was not a typical prison; inmates were sent here to learn to follow rules, not for rehabilitation. Famous residents included:
- Al Capone: The Chicago mob boss was sent to Alcatraz for tax evasion, where he spent over four years.
- George "Machine Gun" Kelly: A notorious kidnapper and bank robber of the Prohibition era.
- Robert Stroud: Known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," though he never kept birds on the island.
- Alvin "Creepy" Karpis: The first criminal to be named "Public Enemy #1" by the FBI, he spent 26 years on Alcatraz, the longest of any inmate.
Escape Attempts
Over its 29 years of operation, there were 14 escape attempts involving 36 prisoners. The most famous was the June 1962 escape by Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, who used papier-mâché heads to fool guards and disappeared into the bay on a homemade raft. Despite extensive searches, they were never found and are officially listed as missing, presumed drowned.
The Occupation Era (1969-1971)
After the prison closed in 1963 due to high operating costs, the island was abandoned. On November 20, 1969, a group of 89 Native American activists, calling themselves Indians of All Tribes, landed on and occupied the island. The occupation lasted for 19 months, until June 11, 1971.
This protest was a pivotal moment in the Red Power movement, bringing international attention to the historical injustices and treaty rights of Native Americans. The occupiers cited the 1868 Treaty of Fort Laramie, which allowed Native Americans to claim surplus federal land. The occupation is credited with ending the U.S. government's policy of tribal termination and ushering in an era of Indian self-determination.
Alcatraz Today: A National Park
In 1972, Alcatraz became part of the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. It opened to the public in 1973 and has since become one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, drawing over 1.5 million visitors annually. Visitors can now take guided tours of the cellhouse and learn about the island's many layers of history.
Frequently asked questions
When did Alcatraz open as a prison?
Alcatraz began its life as a military prison in the 1850s. It opened as a federal penitentiary on August 11, 1934, and operated until March 21, 1963.
Why did Alcatraz prison close?
The federal prison on Alcatraz closed on March 21, 1963, primarily due to its high operating costs. The buildings were severely deteriorated from saltwater exposure, and the expense of running the facility was nearly three times that of other federal prisons.
What happened at Alcatraz in 1969?
Beginning on November 20, 1969, Alcatraz was occupied by a group of Native American activists for 19 months. This protest raised global awareness for Native American rights and led to significant changes in U.S. federal Indian policy.
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