The Last Prisoners Leaving Alcatraz
Alcatraz is arguably one of the most notorious prisons in US History. Alcatraz has a many-layered history: fortress, federal prison, bird sanctuary, the first lighthouse on the West Coast, and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement: These are just a few of the fascinating stories of the Rock. Alcatraz Island is a designated National Historic Landmark for its significant contribution to the nation’s history. From its creation in the 19th century to its peak in the middle of 20th century when some of the greatest prisoners of USA were held there, the famed prison Alcatraz slowly built its reputation that made him the world’s best-known prison. Often called as “The Rock”, this famous prison was built on the small rocky island in the Bay of San Francisco. Its remote location was first used as a place for bay’s first lighthouse, but over years American government took control of the island and slowly transformed it into a prison.
Because of its increasing cost and remote location, Alcatraz prison was officially closed on March 21, 1963, only a year after the most famous prison escape attempt of all time. After the complicated and daring plan, inmates Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin managed to exit the prison complex walls and enter the icy waters of San Francisco Bay. Their bodies were never found and although the officials claim that they most certainly drowned, U.S. Marshall Office still investigates this case. In the years after the prison closed, Alcatraz Island became a home of a large group of Indian protestors who fought against the US government about rights of Indian people. In 1986, Alcatraz Island was declared a National Historic Landmark, and tourist comes from around the world to explore this interesting historic site.
Related: