Alcatraz Island, an island located in San Francisco Bay in San Francisco, California, has held many roles since its discovery. Alcatraz Island has served as a military prison, federal penitentiary, meeting site for Native Americans, and it is currently a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Even though the island has not served as a prison for 53 years, that is how most people remember it when they think of the island. The history of Alcatraz Island reveals the many changes the island went through while serving its different roles. Originally, when Spanish explorers first discovered the island in the 16th century they gave it the name Alcatraces, meaning "pelican" or "strange bird" (Finckenauer). Alcatraces later transformed into the English-favored word …show more content…
Alcatraz. In 1850, the United States gained control over the island, strengthened it; and United States President, Millard Fillmore declared the island a military reservation. In addition, in 1859, the U.S. permanently positioned troops there to defend the Bay Area (Voakes; United States). The military prison stood for over eighty-three years, then it reconstructed into the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1933. Thirty years later, the penitentiary closed. In November, 1969, Native Americans took over possession of the island for nineteen months. This helped the Native American activists fight for what they believed in during the American Indian Movement. Their initial goal was to claim the title to the island, but they did not achieve this goal. Consequently, the island became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 (Voakes). Overall, Alcatraz Island has served as many things, and its history clearly indicates this. Some people may think that an island is an interesting location to put a prison, but the location was the major reason the island was chosen as the home of the prison. First of all, the reason the penitentiary was even built is because there was a growth in the number of arrests made from the Prohibition enforcement (Response). The post-Prohibition era and post-Depression era brought a constant threat of crime that disturbed the public peace (United States). Therefore, the inmates that would be housed at Alcatraz would be some of the most dangerous criminals in the U.S. and were classified as either violent or disruptive and in need of "solitary confinement" (Response; Prison). Attorney General Homer Cummings even addressed the subject of creating a special prison "for kidnappers, racketeers, and individuals guilty of predatory crimes" (United States). However, Alcatraz island wasn't the first choice for the location of a new penitentiary. The new site needed to be distant to forbid any communication with the outside world, and so Alaska was being considered as a potential location. Then, Alcatraz Island became available, and it seemed like a perfect fit (United States). Not only was the island distant from any outside world communications, but it was surrounded by cold water and strong currents, allowing authorities to describe the location as "escape-proof" (Voakes). Given these facts, you can see how important the location of this new penitentiary really was. Regardless of its "escape-proof" location, there were up to 26 escapes that were attempted by inmates housed at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary (Voakes). However, none of those attempts resulted in a successful escape. One notable attempt was lead by James "Tex" Lucas. When James was transferred to Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, he was serving 30 years for bank robbery, auto theft, murder, and escape. In 1935, he was transferred from the United States Penitentiary, Leavenworth in Kansas to California with his crime partner, Jack Hardin. A year into his stay, James attacked one of the most significant inmates ever to be held at Alcatraz Island, Al Capone. James used a half pair of scissors to wound Al Capone in the chest and cut his hands. After the fight was controlled, James was asked about the fight, and he responded with, "Well, he threatened to kill me." In 1938, James tried to escape the penitentiary by beating an officer to death with a claw hammer. James ran to the roof, where he was cornered by the officials, and surrendered. The consequence that he was given was a life sentence for murder (United States). All in all, James knew that even when he escaped the prison building he still had to endure the cold waters of San Francisco Bay to be completely free. James "Tex" Lucas wasn't the only man trying to get out of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. Bernie Coy, Joseph "Dutch" Cretzer, and Miran "Buddy" Thompson worked hard in their escape attempt (Spectacular). On the first day of the attempt, May 2nd, 1945, the three inmates faked a riot, took possession of weapons, and tried to shoot themselves to freedom outside of the prison. Bernie Coy had also built a bar spreader prior to this day and planned to use it in the escape. After the riot, Bernie, Joseph, and Miran took nine guards as hostages with the help of three other inmates that they had acquired as accomplices. In the meantime, officials at the penitentiary had called for help from the United States Marines. Rioting and fights continued on the second day of the escape, but the inmates attempted to negotiate a deal with the prison officials. However, the officials demanded complete surrender which did not settle well with the convicts, and they created more damage. Initially, the original order was to keep the hostages alive, but after Miran realized that the hostages would know that he was involved, he commanded Joseph to kill the them. Eventually, the prison guards caught the inmates and killed Bernie and Joseph, and Miran returned to his cell pretending he wasn't involved. Later, Miran found out that Cretzer had only killed one hostage, and he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Miran Thompson was the first person to die in a gas chamber in California. He died December 3rd, 1948 (Spectacular). As you can see, despite all of the work and planning that went into this escape, it was still almost impossible to find ultimate freedom. Even though many inmates tried to escape Alcatraz, there are many counter arguments saying that Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary had some benefits for the inmates housed there. First of all, some authorities said that the prison was "filthy" and "rat-infested." They said prisoners would be chained to the stone walls of the prison, the cells were like dungeons, and the main reason the penitentiary was closed was because of brutal treatment (Prison). On the other hand, well-mannered and respectful inmates had privileges like having a job or getting to participate in recreational activities. A popular recreational activity was playing softball. Many of the rules were altered in order to adjust to the resources given at the prison. For example, balls that were hit over the walls were outs because the field was so small. In 1938, there were four amateur teams that played intramural games, and four league teams that played more competitive games. The inmates got to organize the teams and run the softball program by themselves, and so, "Despite society's segregations, the teams were integrated." Sometimes this worked well and other times it caused fights and arguments. Softball became so popular in this prison that radio jacks were installed in cells so inmates could listen to Game 7 of the 1955 World Series. Also, professional baseball players would sometimes visit the island. The most famous players to visit were Warren Spahn and Stan Musial (United States). In the end, prisoners that behaved themselves and were civil with the guards and officials of the prison received many benefits. Nevertheless, with all of the strange incidents that occurred at Alcatraz Island during its time as a prison, it's no surprise that some authorities believe the island is haunted.
The first reported haunting, which was in 1963 or earlier, was said to include screams, crying, music, and cold spots. Before the federal prison was built there, the Miwok Indians thought that evil spirits were living on the island, and people even think that the Miwok would send tribe members to the island for punishment of breaking the rules. Visitors of the island claim that they experienced signs of paranormal activity like hearing metal clang, cries, and screams of the inmates. They also said that there was one particular cell, cell 14-D, that was cold and made them feel strong emotions. Cell 14-D held a prisoner that for over three years had no contact with anyone. Along with the cries, screams, and clanging metal, visitors also said that they could hear ghostly sounds of a banjo lingering in the shower room. Reports have said that Al Capone liked to play the banjo in the shower room (Garbe). Although these hauntings can come across as a little unsettling, they add to the significance of the island as a
whole. Disregarding the disturbing haunting stories, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and opened for touring in 1972. Visitors may tour any day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day; however, certain areas on the island are closed throughout the year due to the nesting of a variety of sea birds. Upon arrival, tourists may go at their own pace through the day, but at night the tours are guided. Tickets are all-inclusive, so the ferry transportation fee, cell-house audio tour, and Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act fee are included in the tickets. The main point of the tour is to inform visitors of escapes, famous inmates, American Indian occupation, military prison, federal prison, and other general information about the island. The staff also offers other programs during the day about escapes, military history, American Indian occupation, and the island's natural history. Furthermore, there are videos, exhibits, and cell house audio tours available. During the evening tours, a ferry circles the island and live narration plays from the boat about the history of the island. Once the boat is docked, staff members perform a guided tour from the dock to the cell house. The tour is mostly the same as the day tour, but some areas are closed at night due to safety concerns. The recommended amount of time to spend on the island is two to three hours, but visitors may stay as long or as short as they want. Ticket prices range in age of visitor and expected start time of the tour. Tickets for these tours are available at time of arrival or online (United States). These tours are a great way to learn about the remarkable history of Alcatraz Island. In conclusion, Alcatraz Island has served as a great location for many people and many organizations. First discovered by Spanish explorers, then controlled by the United States, later occupied by Native American activists, and now as a part of a recreational area, this island has done a great deal of good for an amplitude of people. However, despite the many roles Alcatraz Island has had, serving as a federal penitentiary is justifiably its most acclaimed and recognizable.
The description of Alcatraz is sinister and quite mysterious. Many people describe it as a haunted attraction,
Al Capone once said about Alcatraz " Don't mistake my kindness for weakness, I am kind to everyone, but when someone is unkind to me, weak is not what you are going to remember me about." One of the most dreaded prisons in America was Alcatraz, it was built on an island in the San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz was made for the United States most dangerous and difficult people during its years of being operated. Even though Alcatraz was built as a top end prison it was possible to escape, however it seemed prisoners never made it off the island alive.
In the 1600's, Ellis Island was known as Gull Island by the Mohegan tribe and was simply two to three acres. During high tide, the island could barely have been seen above the rising waters. After being discovered for its rich oyster beds in 1628, Dutch settlers renamed it Oyster Island. And then in 1765, which was the hanging of Anderson the Pirate, the island was again renamed the Gibbet Island, after the instrument used to hang him. Finally on January 20, 1785, Samuel Ellis purchased the property and gave it his name, which is still the name of the island today, Ellis Island
Did they escape Alcatraz or did they die in the tretrous shark infested waters? Alcatraz was the toughest prison ia all america. The worst of the worst went there. Alcatraz had had some of the biggest named criminals from Al Capone to Birdman. It had the best maximum security unit. On June 11, 1962 three man Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin were the first men to succesfuly escape the terrible Alcatraz.
Three men go down in history as the escapees of the “most notorious escapees” of the “inescapable” Alcatraz prison located on the San Francisco Bay, in California. On an island two miles away from the bay, with rushing currents no one had escaped successfully prior to Frank Morris and John and Clarence Anglin (also referred to as the Anglin Brothers). The prison staff reasoned that by being the only prison to offer hot water showers, inmates would be acclimated to hot water, therefore escapees could not tolerate the freezing waters of the bay, in turn they would be unsuccessful. However, this was proven otherwise by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, as they would dig through prison vents, build a boat, make decoys and swim to freedom.
On March 28, 1979, an accident happened at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Middletown, Pennsylvania. The accident started due to equipment failures, but was further escalated by operator errors. Reports of the disaster showed that had the operators kept the emergency cooling systems on, this accident would’ve just been an insignificant incident. The accident caused the core of the reactor to meltdown and release radioactive gas. There weren’t any injuries or health affects due to the radiation, however, the accident scared the nation away from nuclear power for many years to come.
On Alcatraz, there were two prisons, and neither have withstood the catechization of time. Moreover, the first prison on Alcatraz was built, but seldom used for its sole purpose. This first prison was decommissioned before Johnston was building the much more ameliorate prison over the top of the old one. After the prison was finished with being fabricated, Johnston handpicked the best, most incomparable guards from around the United States from other prisons. And that’s when Alcatraz was just in a genesis state with nullity
Some people say that the famous escape from Alcatraz was not successful and that they drowned after they got hyperthermia. So that some people say that they drowned but how would that raft and paddles wash up on the shore right next to each other. So there’s proving a little point but here’s more information about how they could have been the three to escape Alcatraz.
“There are 14 known attempts to escape form Alcatraz, involving 36 inmates. The Federal Bureau of Prisons says that 23 were captured, six were shot and killed during their attempts getaways, two drowned and five went missing and were presumed dead.” (Unknown)
The Big Apple is really starting to heat up with summer activities and events this weekend! From parades to food festivals to art shows and everything else in between, there’s definitely something for everyone this weekend in NYC. Here’s a quick look at just a few of the top events and activities to enjoy for the weekend of June 17 – 18 in New York City!
Thirty-six inmates participated in these attempts and ten lost their lives because of it. Alcatraz has always been known for its strict security. The location of Alcatraz was one of the biggest problem the inmates faced when trying to escape. Right in the middle of the frigid waters of San Francisco, one-and-a-half miles from shore, was where the high-security prison laid. If the prisoner was able to somehow break out of his cell, allude the prison guards, and make it outside without being spotted by any of the watch towers, he would still face another impossible dilemma. Several escape attempts were foiled by the frosty water, such as John Richard Bayless’s plan to swim to shore, but gave up the struggle in a matter of moments. The only confirmed statement of a prisoner being able to swim to the San Francisco shores was John Paul Scott, who attempted his escape in 1962. He was found the next day by a group of teenagers, and was taken to a hospital. He had been diagnosed with hypothermia and was unable to make a full escape, due to the hardship the sickness caused
Alcatraz was once called one of the “Supermax Prison,” this was because it was a big place but not a lot of prisoners lived there.There was not a lot of inmates there that lived or served a lifetime, because it was for the people who were really dangerous. When all the deaths were happening there at Alcatraz people were starting to wonder about the safety there at Alcatraz. They also had to shut down Alcatraz, which wasn't open for a very long time and hasn't opened since but they do tours. But people say, “To this day the ghosts of the people who died there still remain haunting the place.”
Have you ever seen trash island? This is an island that is made out of non-biodegradable plastic and other trash. It floats in the Pacific ocean about 100 miles from the coast of California. The objects that float in the island cause a huge threat to wildlife including sea turtles and sharks. This has already caused a mass extinction in some types of plankton and fish. Today it is a huge problem. Will there ever be a solution?
Alcatraz or also know as the rock did not actually start of as a high security prison it served the purpose lighthouse.Alcatraz was built in 1934 and located off the shore of san francisco on a island in the san francisco bay. Alcatraz was only in service for as long as 29 years. the primary reason it closed was money. this was an issue was because alcatraz was on an island and everything they needed to be shipped there. Another reason was because they had to create their own electricity for the prison
Alcatraz Island is located near the coast of San Francisco, California, USA. The Island had prison facilities that were used as a military prison in 1868, and then as a federal prison from 1933 to 1963.