Alcatraz The Infamous

Alcatraz, also known as "The Rock," is one of the most infamous prisons in American history, located on an island in San Francisco Bay. Its history as a federal prison spans from 1934 to 1963, though the island had military significance long before.
Early History
Alcatraz Island was originally used for military purposes starting in the 1850s, housing a fort and a military prison. In 1934, the U.S. government transformed the site into a high-security federal penitentiary, aiming to house the most notorious and dangerous criminals of the time. The island's remote location, surrounded by the icy waters of the bay, made it nearly impossible to escape from, adding to its reputation for being a "maximum-security" prison.
Key Features
Isolation: Alcatraz was designed to be isolated from the mainland, making escape attempts incredibly difficult, and its inescapable reputation made it infamous.
Conditions: The prison was known for its harsh conditions, including strict rules, long solitary confinements, and cold, damp cells.
Notorious Inmates: Many of the most dangerous criminals in U.S. history were sent there.
Famous Gangsters Housed at Alcatraz
Al Capone (1934-1939): Perhaps the most famous gangster ever, Capone was sent to Alcatraz after being convicted of tax evasion. He was notorious for his violent criminal empire in Chicago. His time at Alcatraz, however, was marked by poor health as he suffered from syphilis, which worsened during his imprisonment. He was not a model inmate and was somewhat isolated during his stay.
George "Machine Gun" Kelly (1934-1951): A notorious criminal involved in kidnapping and bootlegging, Kelly was sentenced to prison for the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman. He earned his nickname from his violent methods of robbing and killing. At Alcatraz, Kelly’s time was marked by his attempts to escape and his role in the prison's gang activities.
Mickey Cohen (1952-1955): A notorious figure in the Los Angeles criminal world, Cohen was involved in organized crime, gambling, and bootlegging. After being convicted on charges of tax evasion, Cohen was sent to Alcatraz, where he served time before being moved to other prisons.
Robert Stroud, "The Birdman of Alcatraz" (1942-1959): Although not a gangster in the traditional sense, Stroud is perhaps the most famous inmate associated with Alcatraz. A violent criminal who killed a prison guard, Stroud became notorious during his time at the prison for his interest in birds, which led to his nickname. He spent much of his time studying ornithology and became an expert on bird diseases, though he was still one of Alcatraz's most dangerous prisoners.
The End of Alcatraz
Alcatraz prison closed in 1963 due to the high cost of operation and its deteriorating infrastructure. It was no longer seen as the most effective facility, and the cost of keeping it operational was too high. After its closure, the island was left abandoned for a time until it was later turned into a national park and historical site, which it remains today.
Legacy
Despite its closure, Alcatraz remains a symbol of the American criminal justice system's strictest form of punishment. The legends of its infamous prisoners, especially those connected to organized crime, have helped cement its place in both American history and pop culture. It remains a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors annually, who explore its dark history and learn about the figures who once walked its hallways.
Algorithim