Alcatraz Island’s federal penitentiary, “The Rock,” never had an escapee until 1962 when three inmates dug through vents and escaped on a makeshift raft. They are presumed dead, but their bodies were never found, and the FBI still has active arrest warrants for them. Alcatraz was built as a naval defense fortification in the 1850s […]
Alcatraz Prison, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, was first used as a military facility for holding Civil War prisoners. In 1933 it became a federal detention facility, housing famous and notorious convicts. The prison closed in 1963 and is now a popular tourist attraction. The island was first claimed by Mexico and […]
Alcatraz Island is a national park and historic landmark in San Francisco Bay. It was first used as a military base and later as a federal prison for notorious criminals. Visitors can tour the island, but must be aware of changeable weather and restrictions on interacting with seabirds. Pets are not allowed, but registered service […]
The Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Franklin Stroud, was a convicted murderer who became interested in birds while in solitary confinement. He wrote books on canary breeding and was transferred to Alcatraz in 1942. Although he kept no birds there, a book and film were made about him. He died a year after the film’s release. […]
