America’s Most Notorious Criminals Were Housed Here
Alcatraz was even more secure than the idiom ‘a bird cannot even fly over’ used to describe high-security prisons. Since it was built on an island in the middle of the vast ocean in San Francisco, California, prisoners couldn’t even think about escaping. America’s most notorious criminals were kept here. Each cell measured 9×5 feet. There were no amenities to speak of. The prison conditions were such that the prisoners nicknamed it ‘Helcatraz’ (hell-like prison). Once inside, there was no escape.
Why Alcatraz Prison Was Closed in 1964
Distressed by the extremely harsh conditions of the prison, prisoners either lost their mental balance or committed suicide. Alcatraz Prison was built in 1934 and closed in 1963. The reason for its closure was the cost. The US government stated that the cost per prisoner in Alcatraz was three times higher than in ordinary prisons. After closure, Alcatraz Prison was transformed into a tourist destination. Every year, about 1.4 million tourists visit to see its historic buildings, gardens, and lighthouse.
Three Prisoners Who Escaped in 1962 Remain Missing
Prisoners attempted to escape from Alcatraz Prison 31 times, all unsuccessfully. However, on June 12, 1962, three prisoners—Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin—escaped. The prison administration then said that it was impossible for anyone to swim so far to reach the shore. Perhaps all three prisoners drowned. None of the three were ever seen again, nor were their bodies ever found. After a long investigation, the administration declared them dead in 1979. But after an anonymous letter claimed they were alive, the search began again and continues to this day.
Hollywood Has Produced Thrilling Films
Several Hollywood films have been made on Alcatraz Prison. ‘Birdman of Alcatraz’ (1962) was released before the prison’s closure. The sensation created by the escape of three prisoners that same year provided a new theme for filmmakers. ‘Escape from Alcatraz’, ‘Point Blank’, ‘The Rock’, and ‘Murder in the First’ were all made on this theme. The ‘Azkaban’ prison in the Harry Potter series was largely inspired by Alcatraz.
The Infamous ‘Kala Pani’ Sentence in India
During the British Raj, the British built the Cellular Jail in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, to imprison freedom fighters. Due to the harsh conditions, this prison was known as ‘Kala Pani’ (black water). The prison’s 694 cells were designed in such a way that interaction between prisoners was impossible. The names of the brave martyrs are still inscribed on its walls. The museum also houses the weapons used to torture the freedom fighters.
