Alcatraz prison island in the USA: photo, description, description, history, location

In the United States, in the San Francisco Bay, there is a very controversial, but invariably curiosity island of Alcatraz. It was opened in 1775 and was first used for military purposes as a fort. It was here that the first lighthouse in the western United States was installed. However, this island soon became the most famous prison in America. Alcatraz, isolated from the rest of the world by the cold and stormy waters of the bay, as if its gloomy role was destined by nature itself.

History of the prison

Initially, it was a military prison in which there were prisoners, deserters and those who committed crimes of varying severity. At that time, the bulk of the prisoners were young people aged 20-28 years. The conditions of detention were not particularly strict. By the end of the 1920s, it even had its own baseball field. But very harsh punishments were applied to violators of discipline.

In 1934, during the reconstruction of the building, electricity was supplied to the cells, tunnels were walled up, and containers with tear gas were placed in crowded places. From that moment on, the prison became federal. Only the most dangerous criminals entered Alcatraz directly, while the rest were transferred from other prisons after they committed violations, failed attempts to escape or refused obedience.

Despite the many measures of influence, the prisoners considered the so-called silence policy to be one of the most painful punishments. Its essence was the prohibition of conversations and the pronunciation of any sounds for a very long time. They were also afraid of being placed in an isolation cell – a solitary cell without a full-fledged toilet, which was dark and cold.

Prison Breaks

However, even the obvious futility of attempts to escape did not stop the prisoners. Many have tried to get out of Alcatraz to freedom. Some of them were forced to turn back to escape the cold waters, others died from hypothermia. Several people went missing. Maybe it was they who became the lucky ones who were destined to accomplish the impossible?

The most famous of the prisoners who have never been found are the Anglin brothers and Frank Morris. They made the most ingenious escape in the history of the prison. The plan was thought out by them to the smallest detail, which ensured the success of the enterprise. In 1979, the film “Escape from Alcatraz” was made about this.

Notable prisoners

The prison gained wide popularity also thanks to its famous prisoners. Perhaps the most recognizable is Al Capone, an American gangster who began serving his sentence at Alcatraz in 1934. Within these walls, the greatest criminal spent 7 years. He came out already mortally ill and a man who had lost his criminal authority.

In 1963, due to the economic unprofitability of maintaining the prison, which requires very large financial costs, it was closed. By that time, there were only 27 slaves in it. Almost never cameras (and there are less than 600 of them) were not fully equipped. For 29 years, only about 1,600 men served their sentences there. There were no women in this prison.

How to get to the island

As a tourist site, the island has been operating since 1973 and is part of the recreation area called the Golden Gate. It arouses genuine interest among people all over the world with its unusual history. The prison was converted into a museum, where traces of the prisoners' stay have been preserved to this day.

You can get to the island by ferry from San Francisco, which departs from pier number 33. Since there are many people who want to visit Alcatraz, you need to take care of tickets in advance. The tour includes a visit to the interior of the prison – cells, an isolation ward, a meeting room for visitors, a dining room, a shower room. You can also look at the stands where real photographs of the prisoners and the officers guarding them are posted, take a walk along the main corridor of the building, called Broadway. From the window you can see the territory reserved for the walks of prisoners.

Legends and ghosts

Americans call this place “Devil's Island” because of the many legends associated with it. Museum workers can tell hundreds of incredible stories about various paranormal phenomena that allegedly take place within these walls. According to unconfirmed reports, the ghost of a mustachioed officer can be found on the shore, and Al Capone playing the banjo in the prison building.

In itself, the position of the island already causes some excitement and awe – a piece of land torn off from the mainland is washed from all sides by stormy streams of water. It is located at a distance of 2.5 km from the nearest shore. But the area of ​​u200bu200bAlcatraz is quite small – about 9 hectares. Because of this isolation, many tourists are visited by disturbing thoughts. And the myths and superstitions associated with this place can even cause fear.

According to local stories, the camera number 14D is the most popular with ghosts. At one time, she was part of the correctional corps, where the instigators of unrest were thrown for correction. This is a gloomy, dark and damp room, the presence in which will tickle the nerves of even the most inveterate cynics.

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Night excursions

Nowadays, the island has been transformed from a dull and inhospitable territory into a great area for walking thanks to the masters of landscape design. Positive smiling people work here, and noisy tourists crowd in the corridors of the prison. All this does not allow us to forget that now it is just a museum. However, in order to maintain the image of a mystical place, night excursions are organized for especially brave visitors.

Despite many dark legends and a dubious reputation, Alcatraz is visited annually by about a million people from all over the world. This place has a special energy that evokes its own emotions in everyone. Many want to see this famous prison, feel its atmosphere, visit the premises where gangsters and other dangerous criminals roamed until recently. And the most impressionable, perhaps, will even be able to get acquainted with one of the mysterious ghosts.

Now this place has become a history that cannot be rewritten, but it is imperative to know and remember. When traveling around the USA, do not forget to visit New York, and in order not to get lost in this big city, check out our guide.