Saturday, March 21, 2015

Today In History - The Rock Goes Under

The Rock, it was a name that sent shivers down the spines of hardened violent felons because in it's short lifespan as a federal penitentiary, Alcatraz Island (as it was also known) was home to some of the most violent and heinous criminals of its time. Its history started as a blurb on a Spanish map of San Francisco Bay, it was called La Isla de los Alcatraces (Island of the Pelicans). Over its long life since then, the island has been home to military fortifications, a military prison, a federal prison, Indian activists and a national historic landmark. As far as being a federal prison, the thing for which it is most well know, Alcatraz housed some of the worst federal prisoners, such as Al Capone, during the years to 1934 - 1963. It closed its gates as a prison on March 21 of that year (source, if you check the source, make sure to input the right date as it changes daily).

More here and here.

All the best,
Glenn B

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