In 1854, Alcatraz Island became the site of the first lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast. Its beacon helped ships navigate the often foggy and treacherous waters of San Francisco Bay. Though the original structure was later replaced, the lighthouse still stands today as a symbol of the island’s long maritime history.
First lighthouse on the West Coast
Prison built by prisoners, for prisoners
Much of the island’s early infrastructure, including the military prison that preceded the federal penitentiary, was constructed by the very men it was designed to hold. Military prisoners quarried stone, poured concrete, and laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of the most feared prisons in America.
It was home to America’s most infamous
Alcatraz housed some of the most notorious criminals of the 20th century. Figures like Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”) served time here. The prison was designed for inmates who caused trouble elsewhere. They are considered especially dangerous, high-profile, or escape-prone.
There were 14 known escapes
Over its 29 years as a federal prison, Alcatraz saw 14 known escape attempts involving 36 inmates. While most were caught or killed, five men disappeared and were never found. Their fate remains a mystery, contributing to the island’s enduring reputation for suspense and intrigue.
There were children on the island
Despite its reputation, Alcatraz also served as a residential community. Families of prison staff lived in separate quarters near the dock. Children played on the island, took a ferry to school in San Francisco, and were largely unaware of the high-security facility operating just up the hill.
Native American protest hub
In 1969, Native American activists occupied Alcatraz Island for 19 months in a landmark protest calling attention to Indigenous rights and broken U.S. treaties. Their peaceful resistance brought national awareness to their cause, and remnants of their occupation, such as painted slogans, are still visible today.
There was no death row at Alcatraz
Although it held dangerous criminals, Alcatraz was never a site for capital punishment. It had no execution facilities, and prisoners sentenced to death were transferred to other federal prisons. Alcatraz focused instead on strict isolation, intending to control inmates who were difficult to manage elsewhere.
The prison was never full
With a capacity of around 330 inmates, Alcatraz was intentionally operated well below its limit. This allowed for one-man cells and greater oversight. Authorities prioritized security and control over volume, making the island a place for discipline rather than rehabilitation or crowd management.
Strict rules, but served good food
Alcatraz enforced rigid rules, but it also maintained a surprisingly high standard in the kitchen. Meals were served on time, in generous portions, and often included fresh ingredients. The rationale was simple: well-fed inmates were less likely to cause trouble. However, dining was silent and strictly timed.
Garden grown from isolation
Despite the harsh environment, gardens flourished on Alcatraz. Inmates and officers’ families cultivated plants in terraces and empty corners of the island. For many prisoners, tending to flowers and shrubs offered rare moments of calm. Today, these gardens have been restored, offering visitors a glimpse into this quieter chapter of the island’s past.
