Alcatraz

Not everything man makes is positive.

But I am focused on impressive more than good and evil here. For the record, caging our fellow man in isolation instead of working to heal them… yes I believe ALL criminals are wounded people that have poor coping skills and we should try to understand the human mind better so we can better serve each other on our common journey.

But that is enough of that San Francisco hippy crap, lets get into the prison on the bay.

The Rock

What a name. Hard and cold, Alcatraz lived up to it. But as you can see from the title picture, most views of Alcatraz are not that imposing. Located miles offshore in middle of San Francisco Bay, its hardly visible most days from the North Shore, and when you can see it… It is just another island with buildings on it.

Close views are a bit more forbidding though.

A you can see from this closer view, Alcatraz is anything but inviting. A cold, hard place indeed. But it does have quite a history. Here is a little bit of it.

Construction of Alcatraz

Location and Initial Construction:

• Location: Alcatraz Island, often referred to as “The Rock,” is located in the San Francisco Bay, 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco, California.
• Initial Use: The island initially served as a military fortification. The U.S. Army began construction of Fort Alcatraz in 1853, and it was completed in 1859.

Structures and Statistics:

• Main Cellhouse: Constructed between 1909 and 1912 using reinforced concrete. The main cellhouse is approximately 500 feet long and 150 feet wide, with four levels.
• Cells: The cellhouse contains 336 cells, each measuring about 5 feet by 9 feet. The cells were arranged in rows named after the first four letters of the alphabet: A Block, B Block, C Block, and D Block.
• Water Tower: An iconic part of the prison landscape, the water tower stands at 94 feet high and holds 250,000 gallons of water.
• Other Structures: Included administrative offices, a dining hall, a hospital, a library, and recreational yards.

History of Alcatraz

Military Prison (1850s – 1933):

• Initially, Alcatraz served as a military prison for Confederate sympathizers and military prisoners. It was chosen due to its isolation and the strong currents surrounding the island, making escape nearly impossible.

Federal Penitentiary (1934 – 1963):

• Opening: In 1934, Alcatraz was converted into a federal penitentiary, intended to hold the most notorious criminals who had caused trouble at other prisons.
• Notable Inmates: Some famous inmates included Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”).
• Security Features: Alcatraz was known for its high level of security. Features included barred doors, electronically operated doors, gun galleries, guard towers, and a strict inmate count system.
• Daily Life: Inmates had access to work programs, educational opportunities, and a library. However, the regime was strict, and any violation of rules was met with severe punishment.

Closure:

• Reasons for Closure: The penitentiary closed in 1963 due to high operational costs and deteriorating facilities. It was more expensive to run than other prisons because of its location, and the saltwater environment caused significant wear and tear on buildings.
• Post-Closure: After the prison closed, the island was occupied by Native American activists in 1969 as part of a protest to claim the land. This occupation lasted until 1971.

Modern Era:

• National Park: In 1972, Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Today, it is a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors annually.

Legends and Lore of Alcatraz

Escape Attempts:

• Unsuccessful Escapes: There were 14 known escape attempts involving 36 inmates. Most were caught or died during their attempts.
• Notable Escape: The most famous escape attempt was in June 1962, when Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers used a homemade raft to escape. Their fate remains unknown, leading to speculation that they may have drowned or successfully escaped.

Hauntings:

• Paranormal Activity: Alcatraz is reputed to be haunted. Reports include unexplained noises, cold spots, and apparitions. D Block, particularly Cell 14D, is notorious for eerie occurrences.
• Legends: Stories of ghostly apparitions of former inmates and guards persist. Some visitors claim to hear the clinking of chains and disembodied voices.

Cultural Impact:

• Films and Literature: Alcatraz has inspired numerous movies, books, and television shows. Films like “Escape from Alcatraz” (1979) and “The Rock” (1996) have contributed to its legendary status.
• Popular Myths: Stories of brutality, strict discipline, and solitary confinement have fueled the prison’s dark mystique.