Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island Latest News

The US President recently directed his administration to rebuild and enlarge Alcatraz, the infamous prison that has been shuttered for more than 60 years on a remote California island off the coast of San Francisco.

About Alcatraz Island

• Alcatraz Island, also known as’The Rock,’ a rocky island in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. 
• It occupies an area of 22 acres (9 hectares).
• History:
  • Sold in 1849 to the U.S. government, Alcatraz was the site of the first lighthouse (1854) on the coast of California. 
  • In 1859 the first permanent army troops were stationed at Alcatraz. 
  • Two years later it became a military prison.
  • In 1907 it was named the Pacific Branch of the U.S. Military Prison. 
  • The army left the island in 1933. 
  • Alcatraz served as a federal (national) prison from 1934 to 1963. 
  • It housed some of the most dangerous prisoners in the country. 
  • The prison was able to hold more than 330 convicts in cells that were 10 feet by 4.5 feet (3 meters by 1.5 meters). However, it was rare for more than 260 prisoners to occupy the island at one time.
  • Alcatraz was considered to be the most inescapable prison in the United States. 
  • A few inmates did escape the island. However, it is unlikely that they survived the currents of San Francisco Bay.
  • Eventually, the cost of maintaining the prison resulted in its closing in March 1963.
  • In 1972 Alcatraz became part of the newly created Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is now open to the public and is a popular tourist destination.

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Alcatraz Island FAQs

Q1. Why is Alcatraz so famous?

Ans. Alcatraz is famous primarily for being one of the most notorious and secure federal prisons in the United States.

Q2. Where is Alcatraz Island located?

Ans. It is located in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, in the United States. 

Q3. Why was Alcatraz shut down?

Ans. The cost of maintaining the prison resulted in its closing in March 1963.

Source: HT