Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, commonly known as Alcatraz, is the name of the prison situated on an island in San Francisco Bay. This infamous prison was operational from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of the most notorious criminals in American history.

Alcatraz Island, often referred to as "The Rock," is located 1.25 miles offshore from San Francisco. Its isolated location and harsh conditions made it the perfect spot for housing dangerous criminals who were deemed too difficult to manage in other prisons.

Some of the most famous inmates of Alcatraz include Al Capone, George "Machine Gun" Kelly, and Robert Stroud, also known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz." These inmates were kept in strict confinement and subjected to a strict daily routine to prevent any escape attempts.

Alcatraz gained a reputation for being an escape-proof prison, with no successful escapes during its time as a federal penitentiary. However, there have been several escape attempts, including the infamous 1962 escape by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, which inspired the movie "Escape from Alcatraz."

Today, Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist attraction and is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can take a ferry to the island and explore the prison grounds, including the cell blocks, dining hall, and solitary confinement cells.

If you're interested in learning more about the history of Alcatraz and its infamous inmates, you can visit the official National Park Service website for more information: https://www.nps.gov/alca/index.htm. The site offers details on tours, ticket information, and the island's rich history.

Overall, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary remains a fascinating piece of American history, showcasing the harsh realities of prison life and the lengths some inmates would go to in order to escape. Its legacy as an escape-proof prison continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

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