Trump plans to reopen one of America’s most infamous prisons. Here’s why Alcatraz became notorious.

 On Sunday, former President Donald Trump announced plans to order the government to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz, a historic prison located on an island off the coast of San Francisco. Alcatraz, known for housing notorious criminals like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and James “Whitey” Bulger, closed 60 years ago due to deteriorating infrastructure and high maintenance costs. Trump referred to the prison's reopening as a symbol of "Law, Order, and JUSTICE" in a post on Truth Social, later clarifying to reporters that it was “just an idea” prompted by federal judges' efforts to ensure deported migrants receive due process.

Once a military fort, Alcatraz became a federal penitentiary in 1934. Its remote location and fortified design made it notorious as a maximum-security prison. Prisoners, including the most dangerous or unruly criminals, were sent there as a last resort, and escape was virtually impossible despite multiple attempts.

Alcatraz’s Military Beginnings

Alcatraz Island’s strategic location at the entrance to San Francisco Bay made it an ideal military defense site. In the 1850s, the US Army constructed a fort there, equipped with artillery to protect the bay from potential invasions. It was also used during the Civil War to defend against Confederate raiders before being transformed into a military prison. In 1933, the Army transferred the island to the Department of Justice, where it became a federal prison.

The Rock: A Symbol of Justice

The Federal Government opened Alcatraz as a maximum-security prison to house the most dangerous inmates and demonstrate its commitment to curbing crime in the 1920s and 1930s. Prisoners had minimal rights—only food, clothing, shelter, and medical care. Other privileges had to be earned. Despite its infamous reputation, the prison housed an average of just 260-275 inmates, many of whom had been transferred due to behavioral issues or because they were considered escape risks.

The Great 1962 Escape

Alcatraz is perhaps best known for the 1962 escape of Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, who vanished from their cells and were never found. Their escape, which involved elaborate preparations, including creating dummy heads and a makeshift raft, was dramatized in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz. Though it’s widely believed they drowned in the cold waters of San Francisco Bay, the case remains open due to occasional sightings and unconfirmed leads.

The Birdman of Alcatraz

Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz,” is one of the most famous inmates. Convicted of manslaughter, Stroud later killed a prison guard and was sentenced to life in solitary confinement. He became interested in ornithology and conducted studies on birds, but his time at Alcatraz was marked by his prohibition from keeping birds. Stroud’s legacy includes publishing respected works on bird diseases.

Decline and Closure

By the time Alcatraz closed, the prison’s infrastructure had severely deteriorated, with salty sea air causing extensive corrosion. It became more expensive to operate than any other federal prison, with estimated restoration costs running into millions of dollars. The prison was decommissioned in 1963 and later became a popular tourist destination after a 19-month occupation by Native American activists in 1969.

Today, Alcatraz is managed by the National Park Service, drawing around 1.2 million visitors annually. Despite its status as a National Historic Landmark, there are conditions under which such designations can be reconsidered.

Political Pushback

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, criticized Trump’s proposal, calling it “not a serious one.” She emphasized that Alcatraz, once a federal penitentiary, is now a well-loved national park and tourist attraction, and Trump’s idea was not practical.