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A Prison in Paradise

In the middle of San Francisco bay, framed byon a new role, that of military prison.
some of the most beautiful and majestic viewsEleven enlisted men were incarcerated in the
in the country lies Alcatraz Island. Aguardhouse basement in 1859, and slowly
federal penitentiary is not usually includeddeserters, thieves, and other military
on the list of one's vacation plans, howevercriminals were sent there from the San
the history and beauty of this island warrantFranciscan forts. Finally in 1861 Alcatraz
an exception. From 1934 to 1963 a number ofwas named the official prison for the
the most feared criminals in the AmericanDepartment of the Pacific. The island served
penal system called "the rock" home. Famousthis role until 1933 when the cost of
for the stark contrast between its stunninglyimporting supplies led the Army to leave,
serene surroundings and the harshness of lifesending  prisoners  to Kansas and New Jersey.
and character inside its walls, Alcatraz has
found  its  way  into  American  lore.At this point crime in America had become an
increasing problem, fed largely by the
Originally named "Isla de los Alcatraces", ortroubles associated with prohibition. A new
"Island of the Pelicans" it was later changedprison was sought that could take the worst
and shortened to Alcatraz. Today looking outof the country's criminals, and seclude them
from the island visitors see a picturesquefrom the public. While land in Alaska was
view from the Golden Gate Bridge, andoriginally considered, the Army's recent
downtown San Francisco, to the Bay Bridge,departure from Alcatraz cemented the island
and Treasure Island. One can for a momentas the choice for America's new
imagine this location as the setting of a"super-prison". The facility was to take in
luxurious resort. Turning from the viewsthe most troublesome of inmates from other
outside the island to its interior contentsprisons  around  the  nation.
however, quickly brings back the notion that
this island was the scene of a lessIn 1934, Al Capone, perhaps the
comfortable  history.penitentiary's most infamous prisoner,
arrived as one of the first official
Most famous for its role as a prison,transfers. His arrival generated enormous
Alcatraz was initially a military base. Wheninterest, and sparked more headlines then the
gold was discovered in California in 1848 Sanopening of the prison itself. Previously
Francisco's population jumped from 300 towhile imprisoned in Atlanta, Capone had been
30,000 in a matter of years. With this newable to achieve a lifestyle within the jail
influx of population and wealth there was athat was unheard of for other prisoners. A
need for the United States government tocarpeted cell and a radio were among the
protect the area from other nations. In 1850niceties he was able to procure through
when California became a state, a triangle ofbribes and other methods. He was even able to
fortifications was planned to protect Sancontinue to manage his organization through
Francisco Bay. Upon its completion in 1853relatives who established themselves in a
Fortress Alcatraz took on the lead role asnearby hotel. For this reason he was put on a
the most powerful coastal defense on thesecure prison railroad car without notice,
western coast. The landscape of the islandand shipped to Alcaztraz in the hopes that
was incorporated into the design, and highthe lack of outside contact would be the
walls were built on the rocky isle, leavinggovernment's answer to the Capone problem. On
the  dock  as  the  only  access to the fort.the rock Capone was never able to manipulate
the warden or guards, and was confined to
Alcatraz was never called upon to defend themenial duties along with the rest of the
bay, however a number of small incidentsprison population. Staying only 4 ½ years
during the Civil War brought the island intodue to health complications Capone left for
the spot light. As its use as a defensiveFCI Terminal Island in 1939.
fortress lessoned, the island began to take



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