Alcatraz: Echoes of Infamy and the Specter of Reopening
Alcatraz Island, a name synonymous with inescapable confinement and the nation’s most hardened criminals, has once again entered the public consciousness. From the notorious Al Capone to the brash "Machine Gun Kelly," the island fortress in the San Francisco Bay held over 1,500 men during its nearly three decades as a federal penitentiary. Now, its formidable walls may rise again, spurred by a recent pronouncement from former President Donald Trump.
Trump’s post on Truth Social on May 4th, declaring "REBUILD, AND OPEN ALCATRAZ!" sent ripples across the political landscape and reignited a debate about crime, punishment, and the role of maximum-security prisons in modern society. His message resonated with a sentiment of returning to a perceived era of unwavering justice, a time when, as he stated, "we did not hesitate to lock up the most dangerous criminals, and keep them far away from anyone they could harm."
Alcatraz, throughout its original tenure, served precisely that purpose. It wasn’t merely a prison; it was a symbol of unyielding control, a place where the most incorrigible, violent, and escape-prone inmates from other federal institutions were banished. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Alcatraz housed individuals who challenged the very order of the penal system, presenting a level of risk that other facilities were ill-equipped to handle.
However, the island’s operation came at a significant cost. In 1963, Alcatraz was shuttered due to its exorbitant expenses. The Federal Bureau of Prisons cited that it was nearly three times more expensive to operate than any other federal prison, a financial burden that ultimately proved unsustainable. This reality underscores the complex challenges involved in resurrecting such a facility, raising questions about the economic viability of Trump’s proposal and the potential allocation of resources.
As the United States contemplates the possibility of rehousing inmates on this infamous island, it’s crucial to remember the stories of those who were once confined within its walls. Their lives, marked by crime and consequence, offer a glimpse into the dark history of Alcatraz and the enduring fascination it holds.
Alphonse Capone, "Scarface," and the Fall from Grace
Al Capone, the notorious Chicago gangster who ruled the Prohibition Era underworld, was a prominent resident of Alcatraz from August 1934 to January 1939. His arrival at "The Rock" marked a significant turning point in his life. No longer the unchallenged kingpin, Capone found himself stripped of his power and reduced to a number within the rigid confines of the prison.
The Mob Museum notes that Capone’s time at Alcatraz was cut short due to the devastating effects of untreated syphilis, which led to his hospitalization within the prison walls. Eventually, he was transferred to other facilities, including the Federal Correctional Institution at Terminal Island in Los Angeles and the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. He was released in November 1939, a shadow of his former self, his health and mental faculties severely diminished.
"Machine Gun Kelly" and the Price of Infamy
George Kelly Barnes, known as "Machine Gun Kelly" for his favored weapon, was another notorious figure who spent a considerable portion of his life incarcerated at Alcatraz. From 1934 to 1951, he endured the strict regime of the island prison, paying the price for his life of crime.
His moniker stemmed from his frequent use of a Thompson submachine gun during his audacious heists. The National Archives at San Francisco highlight his most infamous crime as the kidnapping of wealthy oilman Charles Urschel, a crime that ultimately led to his downfall and confinement on Alcatraz. The legend of Machine Gun Kelly, fueled by his daring exploits, became intertwined with the reputation of the prison itself.
Robert Stroud: The "Birdman" Myth
Perhaps one of Alcatraz’s most famous, yet misunderstood, inmates was Robert Stroud. Known as the "Birdman of Alcatraz," he was incarcerated there from 1942 to 1959. Ironically, despite his popular image, he never actually kept birds while at Alcatraz.
His reputation as an ornithologist developed during his previous incarceration at the Federal Correctional Institution in Leavenworth, Kansas. The Federal Bureau of Prisons website explains that Stroud was permitted to study birds as a "constructive use of his time." He even published two books about canaries and their diseases. However, his bird-related activities were eventually curtailed when contraband items were discovered hidden within the bird cages he requested. Stroud had been using these items to manufacture alcohol, leading to his transfer to Alcatraz.
Stroud’s long criminal history, marked by multiple murders, resulted in a life sentence. He spent 54 of his 73 years in prison, and his story became a symbol of the potential for redemption, even within the walls of a maximum-security prison, albeit a redemption based on a misconstrued image.
Alvin "Creepy" Karpis: The Longest Sentence
Alvin Karpis, nicknamed "Creepy" for his unsettling smile, holds the distinction of serving the longest sentence at Alcatraz. From August 1936 to April 1962, he was a fixture on the island, a stark reminder of the consequences of a life devoted to crime.
Associated with the Barker-Karpis gang, he was responsible for numerous bank robberies, kidnappings, and murders during the Depression Era. His lengthy incarceration underscores the severity with which the justice system viewed his crimes and the perceived need to keep him isolated from society.
Arthur Barker: A Violent End
Arthur Barker, another member of the notorious Barker-Karpis gang, was sent to Alcatraz in 1935. His criminal career came to a violent end in 1939 when he was killed while attempting to escape the prison.
Barker played a key role in the kidnapping of wealthy banker Edward George Bremer Jr. in January 1934. The Federal Bureau of Investigations notes that Barker’s fingerprints were found on an empty gas can discovered by police along the kidnapping route, solidifying his involvement in the crime. His failed escape attempt and subsequent death highlight the extreme measures undertaken to prevent inmates from breaching the security of Alcatraz.
Mickey Cohen: A Gangster’s Brief Stint
Meyer "Mickey" Cohen, a Los Angeles-based gangster and head of the Cohen crime family, had an intermittent stay at Alcatraz between 1961 and 1963. He was incarcerated in July 1961, released on bond in October 1961, and then sent back in 1962. He remained there until he was transferred to the federal penitentiary in Atlanta, Georgia.
Cohen’s on-again, off-again relationship with Alcatraz reflects the complexities of the legal system and the challenges of managing high-profile criminals within the penal system.
James "Whitey" Bulger: The Informant’s Paradox
James "Whitey" Bulger, an organized crime figure from South Boston, Massachusetts, was incarcerated at Alcatraz from November 1959 to July 1962. His time on the island predates his rise to power in the Boston underworld.
The Mob Museum highlights Bulger’s unusual role as an informant for the FBI, a relationship that allowed him to operate with impunity for many years. His "Robin Hood-style behavior," as it was perceived by some, further complicates his image and adds another layer to the complex history of Alcatraz inmates.
The potential reopening of Alcatraz raises profound questions about the future of criminal justice and the role of maximum-security prisons in the 21st century. The stories of those who were once confined within its walls serve as a reminder of the enduring allure and dark legacy of "The Rock." For those interested in delving deeper into the lives of Alcatraz inmates, the National Archives offers an extensive collection of case files, providing a valuable resource for understanding the human stories behind the infamous prison.
