President Donald Trump announced on Sunday his plans to order the government to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz, the former prison located off the coast of San Francisco. The prison, which closed 60 years ago due to crumbling infrastructure and high maintenance costs, once housed infamous criminals like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and James “Whitey” Bulger.
Alcatraz: A Historical Landmark
Today, Alcatraz is a National Historic Landmark and a popular tourist destination, attracting approximately 1.2 million visitors annually. The island was once one of the most heavily fortified military sites on the West Coast before becoming a maximum-security federal penitentiary in 1934.
Trump’s Vision for Alcatraz
Trump’s plan to reopen the prison is being positioned as a symbol of Law, Order, and Justice, reflecting the current administration’s focus on law enforcement and national security. However, he acknowledged that the proposal is in its early stages, with the Bureau of Prisons Director, William K. Marshall III, confirming that the agency will assess the situation to determine next steps.
Alcatraz’s Notorious Past
The history of Alcatraz as a prison is steeped in intrigue. The prison housed dangerous criminals and was notorious for its tough conditions. Inmates were given minimal privileges, with the primary goal of rehabilitation being to “deliver a message” to lawbreakers.
Notable Escape Attempts
One of the most famous incidents at Alcatraz was the 1962 escape attempt by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, John and Clarence. Using makeshift tools, they managed to escape their cells, though they were never seen again. The incident was famously dramatized in the 1979 Clint Eastwood film Escape from Alcatraz.
Alcatraz’s Closure
Alcatraz was closed in 1963, with its deteriorating infrastructure deemed too costly to repair. By the time the prison was shut down, operating costs were three times higher than those of other federal prisons. The island remained largely unused until 1969 when it was occupied by Native American activists.
Alcatraz Today
Since its closure as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz has become a major tourist attraction, operated by the National Park Service. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. Despite its popularity, there have been discussions about whether Alcatraz should lose this designation.
Opposition to the Proposal
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has expressed opposition to the President’s plan, calling it “not a serious one.” She highlighted that Alcatraz is now a beloved national park and a significant cultural site. She stated that the President’s proposal is disconnected from the reality of the island’s current role.
