SAN FRANCISCO — Alcatraz prison has long captured the public’s imagination — and a recent directive from President Donald Trump to reopen the facility has brought it back into the national conversation. Once considered the most escape-proof prison in the United States, Alcatraz was designed to house the country’s most dangerous inmates in extreme isolation.
Located on Alcatraz Island about 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, the maximum-security prison — known as “The Rock” — gained a reputation for its harsh conditions, strict routines and infamous prisoners. Isolated by frigid, fast-moving waters, it became a symbol of the federal government’s toughest approach to incarceration.
Although Alcatraz closed in 1963, the facility remains one of the most iconic institutions in U.S. corrections history. From its remote location and dramatic escapes to discussions of bringing it back into use, here’s what to know about Alcatraz prison — and why it continues to make headlines.
1. Is Alcatraz Island still a prison?
No — Alcatraz is no longer an active prison. It stopped housing inmates in 1963 and has since become a public historical site managed by the National Park Service. Although it hasn’t served as a correctional facility in more than 60 years, Alcatraz remains a key part of corrections history and culture.
2. Where is Alcatraz Island?
Alcatraz prison is located on Alcatraz Island, about 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. The island is surrounded by frigid waters and strong tides, which made escape nearly impossible and contributed to its reputation as “The Rock.” The remote location also made it a strategic choice for housing inmates considered flight risks or security threats.
3. Is Alcatraz prison still open?
Alcatraz prison is open — but only as a tourist destination. Visitors can explore Alcatraz Island and the former prison itself through daily tours. Many parts of the facility, including cellblocks, the recreation yard and guard quarters, have been preserved to give a glimpse into the harsh realities of incarceration on the island.
4. Why did Alcatraz close?
Alcatraz prison closed on March 21, 1963, due to its high operating costs and deteriorating infrastructure. Everything — from fuel to food — had to be delivered by boat, making it far more expensive to operate than mainland facilities. According to the Bureau of Prisons, it cost roughly three times more to run Alcatraz compared to other federal prisons. Saltwater corrosion and isolation made repairs costly and inefficient. Inmates were eventually transferred to other facilities.
5. Who escaped from Alcatraz?
Of the 36 inmates who attempted to escape Alcatraz, 23 were caught, six were shot and killed and two drowned. Five men were listed as “missing and presumed drowned.” The most famous escape happened in June 1962, when Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin broke out through a hole behind their cells. Using an inflatable raft made of raincoats, they vanished into the night. Despite an extensive search, their bodies were never found. The FBI closed its investigation in 1979, but their escape remains one of the most debated prison mysteries in U.S. history.
6. Who was the most famous prisoner at Alcatraz?
Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history — individuals whose names still draw public fascination today.
Alphonse “Al” Capone is widely considered the most famous inmate. The Chicago mob boss was sent to Alcatraz in 1934 after officials determined he was receiving preferential treatment at other facilities. At Alcatraz, Capone was isolated from his criminal contacts and spent much of his time in the prison hospital due to neurosyphilis. He was released in 1939 and never returned to power.
George “Machine Gun” Kelly, a Prohibition-era gangster known for bootlegging, armed robbery and kidnapping, arrived at Alcatraz in 1934. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Kelly was considered dangerous and manipulative — a “model prisoner” in public but one who tried to manipulate corrections officers behind the scenes. He served 17 years at Alcatraz before being transferred.
Another infamous inmate was Robert Stroud, better known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Although he never kept birds while incarcerated on Alcatraz, Stroud had previously become well known for studying birds and writing about avian pathology while held at Leavenworth. Stroud was considered highly dangerous and was kept in segregation for much of his time on the island.
7. Why does Trump want to reopen Alcatraz?
In May 2025, President Donald Trump announced a directive to reopen and expand Alcatraz prison, calling for it to house the nation’s “most ruthless and violent offenders.” The announcement was made via Truth Social, where Trump stated he was instructing the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI and Department of Homeland Security to rebuild the island facility as a symbol of “Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
“That is why, today, I am directing the Bureau of Prisons, together with the Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security, to reopen a substantially enlarged and rebuilt ALCATRAZ, to house America’s most ruthless and violent Offenders,” Trump wrote. “The reopening of ALCATRAZ will serve as a symbol of Law, Order, and JUSTICE.”
Trump cited frustrations with violent crime, repeat offenders, and what he referred to as “radicalized judges,” proposing Alcatraz as a secure site for individuals deemed a severe threat to public safety — as well as those involved in immigration-related offenses.
However, the feasibility of reopening Alcatraz remains unclear.
8. Why is Alcatraz considered so bad?
Alcatraz earned its reputation as one of the toughest prisons in U.S. history due to its extreme isolation, strict routines and limited privileges. The prison was specifically designed to house inmates who had caused trouble at other federal facilities — career escapees, gang leaders and those who posed threats to staff or operations.
Located on a wind-swept island surrounded by freezing water and strong currents, Alcatraz made both physical and psychological escape nearly impossible. The environment was cold, damp and foggy, and the prison’s rules were rigid. Inmates had minimal contact with the outside world and few recreational outlets.
According to the Bureau of Prisons, the basic rule of Alcatraz was: “You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege.”
