Alcatraz was a federal prison located in the middle of San Fransisco Bay. Alcatraz is the spanish word for pelicans. It is located 1-2 miles from the shore. The island is 12 acres of rock surrounded by water. The water on average is 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The bay also had a strong current. With these water condtions it seems imposible to escape. People have proven it possible to swim incuiding two ten year old kids and an adult pulling a boat with him.

Alcatraz was a federal prison from 1934 to 1963. The prison was built to keep 336 prisoners. The prison never reached its capacity. On average there was 260-275 prisoners. On average there were 75 men worked at the prison. Usually five years was all a prisoner stayed. The prison closed in 1963 and in 1969 to 1971 native americans took over the island to protest. After that the prison was made into a National Park in 1973. Over one million visoters go to Alcatraz every year. You can visit Alcatraz today and see the cells and many other things. You can even sit in the eletric chair.

Home