Alcatraz was considered unescapable because the island was surrounded by cold water and strong currents of San Fransisco Bay. It was intended for prisoners who continuously caused trouble at other federal prisons - a "last resort prison." It housed the worst of the worst who had no hope for rehabilitation.
Even back in the 1930s, Alcatraz had many believe that it shouldn't exist. Prisoners believed it to have the worst living conditions. Many committed suicide; some developed psychological disorders.
Some reform came in the 1950s, with prisoners getting more privileges, such as movies, musical instruments. However, it remained the most expensive prison to maintain. In 1959, the average prisoner at Alcatraz cost $10 per day to feed, clothe, and guard, while the average at other prisons were $3/day. Damage to the prison due to sea salt was also going to cost a small fortune to fix.
In June 1962, three prisoners were able to escape. The move Escape from Alcatraz starring Clint Eastwood is based on this escape. No one knows what happened to all three, while most believe they succumbed to the cold waters and strong currents of San Fransisco Bay.
The Justice Department was already looking at replacing Alcatraz. The escape hastened the
closure of Alcatraz.
Today Alcatraz belongs to the National Park Service and is a part of the National Register of Historic Places. The buildings are being restored and people can visit the prison.
Notable prisoners at Alcatraz include: Al Capone, Robert Stroud, and Doc Barker.
Comments
Post a Comment