Alcatraz Prison: A Brief History of the Closure of America's Legendary Prison
Alcatraz Prison, located on a small island in San Francisco Bay, not far from the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, is one of the most notorious correctional institutions in United States history. Known as “The Rock,” the prison was originally built to house inmates who were considered extremely dangerous or at high risk of escaping. Alcatraz began operating as a federal prison in 1934 and for nearly three decades, the facility housed a number of notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
However, in 1963, the federal government decided to close the prison. The decision was not related to security or capacity, but rather to the high operating costs. Because of its remote location in the middle of the ocean, all logistical needs—including food, clean water, and other supplies—had to be transported from the mainland by ship. The cost of maintaining the building, which was constantly deteriorating due to exposure to corrosive seawater, also put a strain on the budget.
After its closure, Alcatraz Island was left abandoned before being taken over by the United States National Park Service. Today, the former prison is one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year who want to witness the remnants of its dark history and the legendary escape from the once-impregnable prison.
