All You Need to Know About Alcatraz
SAN FRANCISCO—Alcatraz, a 22-acre island 1.5 miles off the coast of San Francisco well-known for its time as a maximum-security prison, is now gaining international attention following a recent announcement by President Donald Trump.
In a May 4
More Than 1 Million Tourists a Year
Alcatraz, once known as 'The Rock,' is currently part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, one of more than 400 national park areas across the United States. Its legendary history between 1934 to 1963, when it
Worst Inmates Imprisoned
Alcatraz
Alcatraz itself is an isolated place surrounded by cold ocean water, averaging between 50 degrees and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and strong currents, making it dangerous and nearly impossible to escape.
The Bureau of Prisons recorded 36 men who made 14 separate escape attempts from the island. Ultimately, all were caught or didn't survive, except five inmates who were classified as 'missing and presumed drowned.'
No Proven Successful Escape From Alcatraz
Three inmates, John Anglin, his brother Clarence, and Frank Morris, attempted to escape Alcatraz prison on June 12, 1962, with an ingenious plan, according to the FBI, which authorities figured out only by interrogating another inmate left behind.
After 17 years' investigating, the FBI said 'no credible evidence emerged to suggest the men were still alive, either in the U.S. or overseas.'
Alcatraz was permanently
Repurposed as Recreation Area by Congress in 1972
The island was occupied by a Native American group for 19 months starting in 1969, before it was cleared out by federal marshals, and it became a recreation area established by Congress in 1972. Managed by the National Park Service, Alcatraz opened to the public the following year, and it has become one of the Park Service's most popular sites.
Revenue and Jobs at Stake?
Trump wrote in the social media post: 'REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ! ... When we were a more serious Nation, in times past, we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm. That's the way it's supposed to be.'
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In response, California Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener from San Francisco said in a
Over $60 million in annual National Park & Service revenue is generated from Alcatraz Island visitor services.
An exact number of employees could not be found after the reporter tried.
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