Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary facts for kids
Alcatraz Island
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| Location | San Francisco Bay, California |
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| Coordinates | 37°49′36″N 122°25′24″W / 37.82667°N 122.42333°W |
| Status | Closed (now a museum) |
| Security class | Maximum |
| Capacity | 312 |
| Opened | 11 August 1934 |
| Closed | 21 March 1963 |
| Managed by | Federal Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice |
| Director |
Edwin B. Swope (1948–55) Paul J. Madigan (1955–61) Olin G. Blackwell (1961–63) |
The Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, also known as Alcatraz or The Rock, was a very secure federal prison. It was located on Alcatraz Island, about 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California, in the United States. The island had been a fort since the 1850s. The main prison building was built between 1910 and 1912, originally as a United States Army military prison.
In 1933, the United States Department of Justice took over the prison. It became part of the Federal Bureau of Prisons in August 1934 after being updated with better security. Because of its strong security and its location in the cold, strong currents of San Francisco Bay, people thought Alcatraz was impossible to escape from. It was considered America's toughest prison.
Today, Alcatraz is a popular public museum. It is one of San Francisco's main tourist spots, attracting about 1.5 million visitors each year. The National Park Service now runs the former prison. They are working to restore and maintain it.
Contents
Life Inside Alcatraz
The Cellhouse and Cells
The main prison building was three stories tall. It had four main cell blocks, named A-block through D-block. This building also contained the warden's office, a room for visitors, the library, and the barber shop.
The prison cells were small, usually about 9 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 7 feet high. They were very simple and offered little privacy. Each cell had a bed, a small desk, a washbasin, and a toilet. There wasn't much furniture besides a blanket.
D-Block and "The Hole"
D-Block was where the most difficult prisoners were kept. Six cells at the end of D-Block were known as "The Hole." Prisoners who behaved very badly were sent here for punishment.
Dining and Hospital Areas
The dining hall and kitchen were connected to the main building. Prisoners and staff ate three meals a day together in the dining hall. Above the dining hall was the Alcatraz Hospital, where prisoners could receive medical care.
Prison Corridors and Work
The corridors inside the prison were given names like famous U.S. streets, such as Broadway and Michigan Avenue. Working at the prison was seen as a special privilege for inmates. Many of the prisoners who behaved well were allowed to work during the day. They worked in buildings like the Model Industries Building and New Industries Building. They helped the military by doing jobs like sewing and woodwork. They also performed various maintenance and laundry tasks around the prison.
Legends of Alcatraz
Early Inhabitants and Myths
The first known people to live on Alcatraz island were Native Americans called the Ohlone. In the Miwok stories, it was believed that evil spirits lived on the island.
Haunted Stories
In popular culture, Alcatraz is often mentioned as one of the top five supposedly "haunted" places in California. Many people believe that the island has spooky stories because of its past as a tough prison.
Images for kids
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The cellhouse where prisoners lived.
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The entrance to Alcatraz.
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Prisoners working in the laundry service.
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From left to right: Warden James A. Johnston, Associate Warden E.J. Miller, District Attorney Frank J. Hennessy.
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Alcatraz Island seen from San Francisco in March 1962.
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Carnes, Shockley, and Thompson on their way to court for a trial.
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A fake head found in Frank Morris's cell.
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The administration offices of Alcatraz.
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The Gun Gallery.
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Guards of Alcatraz.
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The "Broadway" corridor inside the prison.
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C-Block, one of the cell blocks.
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An outside view looking towards D-Block, with the dining hall and kitchen on the left.
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D-Block, where some prisoners were held.
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Inmates eating in the dining hall.
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The Recreation Yard.
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The Warden's House and the lighthouse.
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The ruined Social Hall of Alcatraz.
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The water tower in 2008, showing rust.
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Inmates working in the sewing room.
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A boat passing by the watchtower at Alcatraz Island in June 2016.
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See also
In Spanish: Prisión Federal de Alcatraz para niños
