1854 Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, becomes a military fort, assigned to protect the West Coast and the city of San Francisco from enemy attack. 1864 Alcatraz is first used as a prison, housing military personnel who would not pledge loyalty to the United States.
1901 The final armaments are removed from the island, converting the fort into a full time military prison.
1934 The prison is converted into a U. S. Penitentiary
1963 The prison officially closes.
1973 Alcatraz Island opens to the public.

Famous Inmates:
Al “Scarface” Capone, Robert “the Birdman” Stroud
Famous Movies:
“Escape from Alcatraz” with Clint Eastwood, and
“The Rock” with Sean Connery

LINKS:
gov/alcatraz/
alcatraz