Alcatraz Prison's 10 Most Notorious And Infamous Inmates
Black America Web Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Universal History Archive / Getty
Alcatraz, often referred to as 'The Rock,' was more than just a prison; it was a formidable fortress designed to house some of the most dangerous and uncontrollable criminals in American history.
Located on a lonely island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz was as much a psychological prison as it was a physical one.
While its inmates remain infamous, it was the haunted environment of the institution itself that truly secured its place in history.
Alcatraz was isolated by design. Surrounded by icy, treacherous waters and powerful currents, the prison was essentially escape-proof.
Its remote location imposed a unique kind of punishment far beyond incarceration. Even for hardened criminals, being cut off from the outside world, unable to see beyond the water's edge, was a constant reminder of their sentence.
RELATED | Trump Proposes Reopening Alcatraz Prison
The whistle of the ferry or the faint sounds of the nearby city were agonizing teases of freedom, close yet eternally out of reach.
This isolation wasn't only physical; it weighed on inmates mentally. For many, knowing that life continued just across the cold bay was worse than the steel bars and razor wire.
The prison wasn't just a building; it was a world of its own, one built to break the spirits of those within.
The federal government transformed Alcatraz into a maximum-security prison in 1934, specifically to contain the nation's most high-profile and unmanageable inmates.
The facility boasted strict routines and rigid discipline, making it the final stop for those who had defied the control of other penitentiaries.Every aspect of its design aimed to create an environment where control was absolute, and hope was limited.Unlike other prisons of the era, Alcatraz was unyielding.
Guards were heavily armed, every inch of space was monitored, and the rigid schedules left no margin for personal freedom.
Luxuries were nonexistent. Even the cells were minimalistic, measuring just about 5 feet wide and 9 feet long.
Life at Alcatraz was deliberately harsh. While inmates were offered basic necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, there was little else. Recreational opportunities were scarce, and any resistance to the crushing monotony resulted in severe punishment, including time in 'The Hole' – a cold, pitch-black solitary confinement cell that pushed prisoners to their psychological limits.
Rules were strict, and silence was often enforced as a way to control the prison population.
The simple act of speaking could result in punishment. Over time, the silence became suffocating, eroding morale and driving home the reality of each prisoner's isolation.
Many inmates later reported that the psychological strain of Alcatraz was worse than the physical imprisonment.
Take a look below at Alcatraz Prison's 10 Most Notorious And Infamous Inmates.
Alcatraz Prison's 10 Most Notorious And Infamous Inmates was originally published on wibc.com Source:Getty
Al Capone, nicknamed 'Scarface,' was sent to Alcatraz in 1934 to sever his connections with the outside world and his criminal empire. Convicted of tax evasion in 1931, Capone was initially imprisoned in Atlanta, where he manipulated the system for special treatment. To prevent further corruption and ensure strict control, authorities transferred him to Alcatraz, a maximum-security prison designed for the most dangerous and influential inmates. At Alcatraz, Capone's power was neutralized, and he lived under strict conditions until his health deteriorated, leading to his release in 1939. Source:n/a
George 'Machine Gun' Kelly, a notorious gangster and kidnapper, was sent to Alcatraz in 1934 after his conviction for the high-profile kidnapping of oil tycoon Charles Urschel. Known for his violent reputation and use of machine guns, Kelly was considered a high-risk inmate. Authorities transferred him to Alcatraz to prevent escape attempts and limit his influence within the prison system. At Alcatraz, Kelly was reportedly a model prisoner, but his time there symbolized the federal government's crackdown on organized crime during the 1930s. Source:Getty
Robert Stroud, famously known as the 'Birdman of Alcatraz,' was sent to Alcatraz in 1942 due to his violent behavior and reputation as a dangerous inmate. Initially imprisoned for manslaughter, Stroud's repeated violent acts, including the murder of a prison guard, led to his transfer to Alcatraz, a facility designed for the most unruly and high-risk prisoners. Despite his nickname, Stroud was not allowed to keep birds at Alcatraz, as he had in previous prisons. His time there was marked by isolation, and he became a symbol of the harsh realities of life in the infamous penitentiary. Source:Getty
Alvin 'Creepy' Karpis, a notorious Depression-era gangster and leader of the Barker-Karpis gang, was sent to Alcatraz in 1936 after his capture by the FBI. Known for bank robberies, kidnappings, and violence, Karpis was considered highly dangerous and a flight risk. Alcatraz's maximum-security environment was deemed the best place to contain him. He spent 26 years there, the longest of any inmate, before being transferred. Karpis's time at Alcatraz reflected the prison's role in housing America's most infamous and unmanageable criminals. Source:Getty
Arthur 'Doc' Barker, a member of the infamous Barker-Karpis gang, was sent to Alcatraz in 1935 due to his involvement in violent crimes, including bank robberies and kidnappings. Authorities considered him a high-risk inmate because of his criminal history and escape potential. While at Alcatraz, Barker attempted to escape in 1939 but was shot and killed by guards during the attempt. His transfer to Alcatraz highlighted the prison's role in isolating the most dangerous and unmanageable criminals of the era. Source:Getty
Mickey Cohen, a notorious mobster and former associate of the Chicago Outfit, was sent to Alcatraz in 1961 after being convicted of tax evasion. Known for his involvement in organized crime, gambling, and racketeering, Cohen's imprisonment was part of the government's efforts to crack down on mob activity. Alcatraz was chosen to isolate him due to his influence and connections. During his time there, Cohen was reportedly injured in an attack by another inmate. His stay at Alcatraz symbolized the federal government's determination to dismantle organized crime networks. Source:alcatrazhistory.com
Henry Young was sent to Alcatraz in 1936 after being convicted of bank robbery and murder. Known for his violent tendencies and escape attempts, he was transferred to Alcatraz for its high-security environment. While there, Young was involved in the infamous murder of fellow inmate Rufus McCain in 1941, which led to his trial and further notoriety. His case highlighted the harsh conditions and brutality within Alcatraz, later inspiring the 1995 film Murder in the First . Source:alcatrazhistory.com
Ellsworth 'Bumpy' Johnson, a prominent Harlem crime boss, was sent to Alcatraz in 1954 after being convicted of drug conspiracy charges. Known for his leadership in organized crime and his influence in Harlem, Johnson was considered a high-profile inmate. Alcatraz's strict security was deemed necessary to contain someone of his stature and connections. His time at Alcatraz reflected the federal government's efforts to target major figures in organized crime during that era. Source:Getty
Frank Morris was sent to Alcatraz in 1960 due to his history of bank robberies and repeated prison escapes, which made him a high-risk inmate. Known for his intelligence and resourcefulness, Morris became infamous for his role in the 1962 escape attempt alongside the Anglin brothers. The trio's daring escape, involving a raft made of raincoats, remains one of Alcatraz's greatest mysteries, as their fate was never confirmed. Morris's transfer to Alcatraz highlighted the prison's role in housing the most cunning and escape-prone criminals. Source:Getty
Clarence and John Anglin were sent to Alcatraz in the late 1950s after multiple bank robbery convictions and repeated escape attempts from other prisons. Their history of trying to break free made them ideal candidates for Alcatraz, known for its high security. The brothers gained infamy for their 1962 escape attempt with Frank Morris, using a homemade raft to flee the island. Their fate remains a mystery, fueling speculation and legend about whether they survived. Their transfer to Alcatraz underscored the prison's purpose of containing the most escape-prone inmates.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
37 minutes ago
- CNN
General describes moment US bomb was dropped on Iran
General describes moment US bomb was dropped on Iran Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine detailed the moment US B2 bombers dropped Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs on Iran's Fordow nuclear plant followed by Tomahawk missiles striking Isfahan. The strikes were announced Saturday by President Trump. 00:53 - Source: CNN Video shows missiles from Iran streaking skies of Israel CNN's Anderson Cooper reports live from Tel Aviv, as Israel's military says it identified missiles launched from Iran and that defense systems are working to intercept them. The military called on the public to "enter a protected space" and stay there until further notice. Israel has also begun a new wave of attacks in Iran, its military said Saturday. 00:31 - Source: CNN Mahmoud Khalil speaks after being released from ICE detention center Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil was released on bail on Friday from a Louisiana ICE detention center, more than three months after he was arrested outside his apartment on Columbia University's campus. The judge found Khalil is not a flight risk or a danger to public safety, saying it's 'highly unusual' to be seeking his detention at this point. 00:36 - Source: CNN Israel and Iran vow to keep fighting Both Iran and Israel's UN ambassadors say that their countries will continue to fight during a tense UN Security Council meeting. 01:25 - Source: CNN Border patrol agents arrest US citizen standing up for detained maintenance worker A US citizen has been arrested after a physical altercation with immigration agents after they detained a maintenance worker at a shopping center in Pico Rivera, California. 01:33 - Source: CNN Anderson Cooper reports from a bomb shelter in Israel CNN's Anderson Cooper reports from a bomb shelter in the basement of a hotel in Tel Aviv as Iran fires another round of missiles at Israel. 01:13 - Source: CNN Why Trump rebuked his own intel chief CNN's Kristen Holmes reports on how Tulsi Gabbard's standing inside the Trump administration has diminished in recent weeks. President Donald Trump has come to see the director of national intelligence as "off message" when it comes to the conflict in the Middle East, according to one senior White House advisor. 02:04 - Source: CNN Inside the room of the Geneva-Iran talks Talks between European and Iranian officials in Geneva, Switzerland were "very tense" at first, but then became much more positive. CNN's Matthew Chance takes us inside the room where these talks took place. 02:04 - Source: CNN Why aren't tariffs causing inflation? For the past year, many economists warned that tariffs would increase prices, but inflation is lower today than when President Trump took office. CNN's Matt Egan breaks down why this might be the case and how economists expect that to change in the coming months. 01:09 - Source: CNN Aftermath of Iranian strike on Haifa CNN's Nic Robertson shows the aftermath of an Iranian strike on Haifa, Israel, less than an hour after it made impact. The strike wounded at least 17 people according to Israeli national emergency service MDA. 00:48 - Source: CNN Jewish GOP Congressman says he was 'run off the road' GOP Rep. Max Miller said he was 'run off the road' on his way to work in Ohio by an individual who yelled "Death to Israel" and had a Palestinian flag. Miller is Jewish and describes himself as a staunch defender of Israel. 00:50 - Source: CNN Iran's foreign minister responds to Trump's call for negotiations After President Trump opened a two-week negotiating window before he decides whether to strike Iran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the country is not seeking negotiations with the United States. 00:16 - Source: CNN Obama's energy secretary on Iran's ability to make a nuclear bomb CNN's Erin Burnett speaks with Ernest Moniz, the former US energy secretary under Obama and negotiator of the Iran nuclear deal, about the country's nuclear capabilities. 02:03 - Source: CNN CDC official who resigned warns of 'older adults dying unnecessarily' Former infectious disease expert Dr. Fiona Havers speaks with CNN's Jake Tapper after resigning from the CDC citing concerns about changes to the agency's vaccine processes under US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 01:02 - Source: CNN IAEA chief says report on Iran's nuclear program 'not new' CNN's Anderson Cooper speaks with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi about the watchdog agency's report findings cited in part by Israeli authorities for its attacks on Iran. 03:24 - Source: CNN Scores killed in Gaza in latest Israeli strikes Israeli strikes in Gaza killed more than 70 people on Thursday, with multiple children dying. Injured children, screaming in pain, were brought to Baptist Hospital in Gaza City and other children appeared lifeless as they were carried into the ward. 00:45 - Source: CNN Video appears to show increase in aerial activity over Tehran CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports on the ground in Tehran, Iran, and witnesses increased aerial activity over the city as the Israel-Iran conflict continues. 01:02 - Source: CNN FDA approves twice-a-year shot to prevent HIV A drug already used to treat HIV has now been given FDA approval to prevent new infections, and the drugmaker says it is remarkably effective. 01:20 - Source: CNN Iranian missile strikes major Israeli medical center CNN's International Diplomatic Editor, Nic Robertson, reports from Beer Sheva, Israel, where a hospital was struck during an Iranian attack. Iran said it was targeting an Israeli intelligence and command center 'near a hospital.' There have been no reported deaths from the strike. 01:04 - Source: CNN Trump admin. to end 988 suicide prevention service for LGBTQ+ youth The Trump administration is ending the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's specialized services for LGBTQ+ youth on July 17. CNN's Jacqueline Howard reports. 01:01 - Source: CNN Israel's defense minister: Khamenei cannot 'continue to exist' Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz said Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei cannot be allowed to 'continue to exist,' after an Israeli hospital was struck by an Iranian missile on Thursday. 00:13 - Source: CNN SpaceX Starship rocket explodes An explosion occurred late Wednesday night at SpaceX's Starbase facility in South Texas. A Starship rocket preparing for its tenth flight test experienced a 'major anomaly,' SpaceX says. There were no injuries and all employees are accounted for, according to SpaceX. The cause of the explosion and the extent of any damage are unclear. CNN has reached out to local police and fire departments for more information. 00:35 - Source: CNN Sole survivor of Air India crash mourns brother Vishwash Kumar Ramesh is the only survivor among 242 on board an Air India flight that crashed in Ahmedabad on June 12. On Wednesday Ramesh attended the funeral for his brother, who died in the tragedy. 00:30 - Source: CNN Hear former President Obama's warning about direction of the US Former President Barack Obama warned that the United States is 'dangerously close' to becoming 'consistent with autocracies' during a civic group event in Connecticut. 00:56 - Source: CNN Anne Burrell dead at 55 Anne Burrell, a chef and television personality whose joyful demeanor made her a beloved fixture on the Food Network, has died, according to the network. She was 55. 00:38 - Source: CNN NYC mayoral candidate arrested at immigration court New York City Comptroller and mayoral candidate Brad Lander was released from federal custody Tuesday afternoon, hours after he was arrested by officers at an immigration court in Manhattan when he tried to escort a migrant whom officers were attempting to arrest. 01:48 - Source: CNN Trump's new phone looks a lot like one from China The Trump Organization says its upcoming T1 smartphone will be 'proudly designed and built in the United States.' But experts tell CNN they're skeptical that goal can be achieved-- and say the T1's specifications are strikingly similar to a Chinese-made phone already on the market. 01:07 - Source: CNN This is how the US could get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict CNN's Nick Paton Walsh reports on how the US could get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran while the countries continue trading strikes for a sixth day, with civilians in flashpoint areas facing waves of attacks. 02:14 - Source: CNN Trump's sons announce mobile phone company Trump Mobile, a wireless service created by the Trump Organization, aims to rival US carrier companies like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The Trump Organization, run by President Donald Trump's eldest sons Eric and Donald Jr., announced the business and launched a new gold smartphone for pre-order. 01:09 - Source: CNN
San Francisco Chronicle
3 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Letters: S.F.'s Pink Triangle symbolizes LGBTQ+ empowerment. Why vandalism won't change that
Regarding 'Man arrested in vandalism to S.F.'s Pink Triangle celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month' (Crime, June 19): The vandalism of the Pink Triangle on Twin Peaks this week is an example of the struggles our community has faced throughout time. The damage should remain because it sends a powerful message. We will wear this scar as a badge of resilience, courage and our continuing struggle for equality for the rest of Pride Month. For the past three decades, the Pink Triangle has been a symbol of what can happen if hatred is allowed to go unchecked. The graffiti and defaced panels of the Pink Triangle remind us of the ongoing discrimination and hatred experienced by many in the community. If this can happen here in LGBTQ+ friendly San Francisco, think what might happen in other less accepting places in the U.S. and around the world. This hate empowers us. We will remain our true selves, speak up and keep living our lives as joyfully as possible. There is no going back in the closet as some would like us to do. Patrick Carney, co-founder, Pink Triangle, San Francisco Don't wait I'm not a green card holder nor an undocumented immigrant. I'm not attending a university on a student visa. I'm not a corporate executive fearing my political views will bar me from federal contracts. I'm not a lawyer who's been coerced into performing pro bono work to undo diversity, equity and inclusion. I'm not connected to any university, museum or nonprofit organization that had its tax-exempt status and/or funding canceled for promoting policies inimical to government ones. I'm not employed by any federal, state or local government. I'm not a university professor, teacher or student. I'm not personally affected by rising consumer prices. I don't live near oil or gas drilling. I'm not worried about the financial stability of Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare and the Veterans Affairs Department. I'm not affected by dictates issued on and after Jan. 20. In 1946, German Pastor Martin Niemöller berated himself for failing to oppose Nazi attacks on Communists, Socialists, trade unionists and Jews, until he, too, was attacked and no one remained to speak on his behalf. I'm not waiting. Paul L. Newman, Merion Station, Pa. Trump keeps promise Nearly 80 million Americans voted for Donald Trump, including eight counties in California that were blue in 2020. President Trump is keeping to his promise to all Americans, even if you didn't vote for him. Trump is president of the United States, and that makes him accountable to U.S. citizens, not those who are here illegally. Christine Larson, Castro Valley
San Francisco Chronicle
4 hours ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Newsom challenges JD Vance to debate after he calls Sen. Alex Padilla ‘Jose'
Gov. Gavin Newsom challenged Vice President JD Vance to a debate after Vance attacked the governor and maligned Sen. Alex Padilla, referring to him by 'Jose,' during a press conference in Los Angeles Friday. Vance, who was in the city to meet with federal officials after weeks of protests of immigration raids and detentions, repeatedly slammed Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass during the press conference for their stances on immigration and pushback against the administration of President Donald Trump ordering the National Guard and U.S. Marines into the city. When asked about the Trump administration cracking down on Democrats, Vance referenced Padilla's detention in handcuffs last Thursday. 'I was hoping Jose Padilla would be here to ask a question. But unfortunately I guess he decided to not show up because there wasn't the theater,' Vance said. 'It's pure political theater.' Padilla, who is California's first Hispanic senator, was forcibly removed from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's press conference last week after identifying himself as a senator asking a question — though she later claimed she did not know he was a senator — and was handcuffed before being released. 'JD Vance served with Alex Padilla in the United States Senate. Calling him 'Jose Padilla' is not an accident,' Newsom wrote. The Associated Press reported that Taylor Van Kirk, a JD Vance spokesperson, responded by saying of Vance: 'He must have mixed up two people who have broken the law.' Newsom also posted to Vance that it was 'nice of you to finally make it out to California.' 'Since you're so eager to talk about me, how about saying it to my face? Let's debate. Time and place?' Newsom wrote. The governor's press office X account also responded Friday evening, posting an altered photo of Vance at the press conference with a cartoonish version of his face and saying: 'Donald, you should send @JDVance out to California more often. He's absolutely crushing it!' Vance claimed Newsom and Bass 'actively encouraged illegal migration into this community, have strained public services, have strained law enforcement and, really, have offered generous benefits, not to American citizens, but to illegal immigrants to break the law.' Vance also claimed Newsom and Bass 'egged on' violent 'rioters' including encouraging them to harm federal and local law enforcement, which he called 'disgraceful.' Vance said during the press conference that National Guard and military members will stay in the city in case protests 'flare back up.' 'These people need to be stopped,' Vance said of demonstrators. Staff writer Tara Duggan contributed reporting.
