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True Accounts From The World's Most Infamous Prison

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Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts from the World's Most Infamous Prison

by Sarah Mirk

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	583733 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	208 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, once known as "The Rock," was an island prison located in San Francisco Bay. It housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone, Robert Stroud, and Whitey Bulger. The prison was closed in 1963, but it remains a popular tourist destination today.

**The Early Years**

Alcatraz was established in 1934 as a maximum-security prison for the most dangerous criminals in the country. The prison was designed to be escape-proof, with its isolated location, high walls, and armed guards. The prisoners were subjected to a strict regime of discipline and isolation.

**The Notorious Inmates**

Some of the most famous criminals who served time at Alcatraz include:

Al Capone, the infamous gangster who was convicted of tax evasion
Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz," who was convicted of murder and spent most of his life in solitary confinement
Whitey Bulger, the Boston gangster who was convicted of racketeering and murder
Mickey Cohen, the Los Angeles gangster who was convicted of tax evasion and extortion
Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin, the three prisoners who escaped from Alcatraz in 1962

**Life at Alcatraz**

Life at Alcatraz was harsh and unforgiving. The prisoners lived in cramped cells and were subjected to a strict daily routine. They were allowed only one hour of recreation per day, and they were constantly under the watchful eyes of the guards.

The prisoners at Alcatraz were also subjected to a variety of punishments, including solitary confinement, bread and water diets, and physical abuse. The prison was a place of violence and despair, and many of the prisoners suffered from mental illness.

**The Escape**

In 1962, three prisoners escaped from Alcatraz in a daring and ingenious plan. The prisoners, Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin, dug a tunnel through their cells and escaped into the night. They were never seen again.

The escape from Alcatraz is one of the most famous prison escapes in history. It has been the subject of books, movies, and documentaries. The mystery of what happened to the three escapees remains unsolved to this day.

**The Closure of Alcatraz**

Alcatraz was closed in 1963 due to the high cost of maintaining the prison and the increasing number of prisoners who were suffering from mental illness. The prison was transferred to the National Park Service, and it is now a popular tourist destination.

Alcatraz is a reminder of the dark days of American history. It is a place where some of the most notorious criminals in the country were imprisoned and where many of them suffered and died. The prison is a testament to the human capacity for both good and evil.

**Visiting Alcatraz**

Alcatraz is open to the public for tours. The tours are led by former guards and prisoners, and they provide a unique glimpse into the history of the prison. Visitors can see the cells where the prisoners lived, the mess hall where they ate, and the yard where they exercised.

Alcatraz is a fascinating and unforgettable place to visit. It is a reminder of the dark days of American history, but it is also a place of hope and redemption.

**Image 1** Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, Also Known As The Rock, Was An Island Prison Located In San Francisco Bay. Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts From The World S Most Infamous Prison

**Image 2** The Prisoners At Alcatraz Were Subjected To A Strict Regime Of Discipline And Isolation. Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts From The World S Most Infamous Prison

**Image 3** Some Of The Most Famous Criminals Who Served Time At Alcatraz Include Al Capone, Robert Stroud, And Whitey Bulger. Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts From The World S Most Infamous Prison

**Image 4** The Escape From Alcatraz In 1962 Is One Of The Most Famous Prison Escapes In History. Guantanamo Voices: True Accounts From The World S Most Infamous Prison