Two years ago, we wrote an April Fools article about Alcatraz reopening as a fully operational prison, complete with a pickleball court. Now, after a directive from the Trump administration to explore reopening, many San Franciscans are doing a double-take at the historic island, which has served as a public museum and successful tourist attraction for over 5 decades. Who owns Alcatraz? When did it last hold inmates? Here are a few of your Alcatraz questions answered…
Who owns Alcatraz?
Alcatraz is owned by the National Park Service, which is part of the U.S. federal government.
The island is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which covers over 82,000 acres in the SF Bay Area, including Marin, Muir Woods, and the Presidio.
When did Alcatraz close?
Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary closed on March 12, 1963, after operating for 29 years. Here’s a quick rundown of the island’s history in all its phases:
- 1850s: Alcatraz becomes part of a “Triangle of Defense” for the SF Bay, with the lighthouse first operating in 1854.
- 1857-1933: Alcatraz serves as a military prison
- 1933-1963: Alcatraz serves as a maximum-security federal prison
- 1969-1971: Alcatraz is occupied by Native Americans
- 1973-present: Alcatraz serves as a National Park attraction
Why did Alcatraz close?
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy ordered the closure of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary due to high operating costs. In fact, due to its isolated location, Alcatraz was three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison.
The SF Chronicle also cites the prison’s vulnerability to escape attempts as another reason for closure, with then-SF-mayor George Christopher saying, “The recent escape from Alcatraz by three inmates, and subsequent events, have disclosed that this prison is in a deteriorated condition and may require up to $5 million for its rehabilitation.”
Who were the most famous inmates at Alcatraz?
Alcatraz housed around 1,576 inmates during its 29 years in operation. Although the prison had a capacity of 336, it only held about 260-275 inmates on the island at any given time. Here are some of the most famous inmates at Alcatraz, plus the years they were there.
- 1934-1939: Al Capone (“Scarface”), a notorious gangster and tax evader.
- 1934-1951: George “Machine Gun” Kelley, known for kidnapping businessman Charles Urschel.
- 1942-1959: Robert Stroud (“Birdman of Alcatraz”), convicted of manslaughter and murder of a prison guard, and famous for his interest in ornithology.
- 1936-1962: Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, leader of the Barker-Karpis gang, who was at Alcatraz for longer than any other inmate.
- 1960-1962: Frank Morris, known for escaping Alcatraz in 1962 with the Anglin brothers.
What are the most famous films about Alcatraz?
Alcatraz’s notoriety has inspired some legendary films, including the following:
- Escape From Alcatraz (1979) – Clint Eastwood stars in this film about the famous 1962 escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers.
- Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) – Burt Lancaster plays inmate Robert Stroud in this dramatized biography.
- The Rock (1996) – Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage star in this action thriller about a fictional hostage situation on Alcatraz.
- Point Blank (1967) – Lee Marvin stars in this now cult-classic thriller, which was filmed on-site three years after the prison closed.
How can I visit Alcatraz?
Alcatraz can only be reached via a 30-minute ferry ride to the island, which incidentally comes with great views of the San Francisco skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. Guests may then embark on an award-winning audio tour that features interviews with former inmates and officers. It’s best to get advance tickets to the popular attraction.
See a variety of Alcatraz Island tour packages here.