Before housing America’s most dangerous criminals, Alcatraz served as a military fort. In 1850, President Millard Fillmore designated the island as a military reservation, and by the Civil War, it held prisoners of war. Its strategic location in San Francisco Bay made it ideal for defense. It wasn’t until 1933 that it officially became a federal penitentiary. Over the years, its role shifted dramatically, but its reputation as an isolated fortress remained constant.

Image: Maxim Babichev

Talk about a tough day on the job! When Alcatraz transitioned from a military prison to a federal one, military prisoners were put to work constructing their own confinement. Between 1909 and 1911, they reinforced the existing structures to prepare for the worst of the worst. By the time the Department of Justice took over, the prison was ready to house America’s most notorious inmates. Imagine building the very walls that would later trap you inside!

Image: Oxana Melis

Alcatraz wasn’t just a prison; it was also home to families. The guards and their families lived in houses and apartments on the island, creating a tight-knit community. Children took a ferry to school in San Francisco every day and played safely away from the prison yard. Some even recall watching movies in the recreation hall while criminals like Al Capone were locked up just a few feet away. Life on Alcatraz wasn’t all gloomy for those outside the cells.

Image: Tyler Rutherford

Despite its reputation, Alcatraz never had an execution chamber. While prisoner violence did lead to some deaths, executions were not carried out on the island. Inmates sentenced to death were transferred to facilities like San Quentin. That didn’t make life any easier in Alcatraz; many prisoners still feared the harsh conditions and inescapable isolation of The Rock.

Image: Rita Morais

Before it became infamous for its prison, Alcatraz played a vital role in maritime safety. In 1854, it became home to the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast, guiding ships through the often foggy San Francisco Bay. Though a larger lighthouse replaced it in 1909, the original helped countless sailors navigate the treacherous waters surrounding the island. Today, it stands as a historic landmark, reminding visitors of Alcatraz’s earlier days.

Image: Bruce Warrington

While Hollywood loves a good prison break story, no prisoner ever successfully escaped Alcatraz, at least not officially. The closest attempt came in 1962 when three inmates, including Frank Morris, disappeared after digging their way out using spoons. Their bodies were never found, leading to decades of speculation. Did they drown in the freezing bay or make it to freedom? The mystery remains unsolved.

Image: Leo_Visions

Despite its reputation as America’s toughest prison, Alcatraz didn’t close due to security issues: It was just too expensive to maintain. The constant exposure to salt water eroded the buildings, and the cost of housing each inmate was three times higher than in other federal prisons. By 1963, the government decided to shut it down. The island was abandoned for years before turning into the tourist attraction it is today.

Image: Jack Walker

Despite its harsh image, some prisoners actually wanted to be transferred to Alcatraz. The prison provided single cells, which meant no cellmates to fight with. It also had some of the best food in the federal system because officers believed that well-fed inmates were less likely to cause trouble. For some, the strict routine and isolation were preferable to overcrowded, violent prisons elsewhere.

Image: Mylo Kaye

Before it became synonymous with crime and punishment, Alcatraz was simply an island full of birds. Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named it La Isla de los Alcatraces in 1775, which translates to "Island of the Pelicans." Over time, the name was anglicized to Alcatraz. Even today, the island remains a haven for seabirds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Image: Mollie Sivaram

Alcatraz was never overflowing with inmates. The prison had a maximum capacity of 336, but on average, only about 260 prisoners lived there at any given time. Sometimes, there were as few as 222. This was intentional—authorities wanted to ensure strict control over the inmates. It’s a far cry from the overcrowded prisons we hear about today.

Image: Kenny Eliason

Prisoners at Alcatraz were given warm water showers, not necessarily out of kindness, but as a security measure. Authorities believed that if inmates were used to warm water, they’d be less likely to brave the freezing bay in an escape attempt. Whether it worked or not is up for debate, but it certainly added another layer to Alcatraz’s infamous reputation.

Image: David Castellón

Alcatraz wasn’t all cold concrete and iron bars; there were actually gardens on the island. Prison officers and even some inmates planted flowers and hardy greenery to make the island more livable. The tradition continued for decades, and today, the National Park Service maintains the Gardens of Alcatraz. It’s a surprising touch of beauty in a place best known for its harshness.

Image: Maxim Babichev