Introduction to Alcatraz
The Infamous Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island, located in the San Francisco Bay, was home to one of the most notorious federal prisons in American history. Operating from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz was designed to hold the most dangerous criminals, including notorious gangsters like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. The prison’s isolation, surrounded by cold, treacherous waters, made it seem like the perfect place to prevent escapes. This made it an iconic symbol of high-security imprisonment.
The Harsh Reality of Life on Alcatraz
Life on Alcatraz was harsh and regimented. Inmates were subjected to strict rules and constant surveillance. The cells were small, and the prison’s remote location meant that inmates had little hope of interacting with the outside world. The combination of severe living conditions and high security made Alcatraz one of the toughest prisons in America, earning it the nickname “The Rock.” This tough environment was designed to break even the hardest of criminals.
