What criminals went to Alcatraz? This question has intrigued many history enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike. Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, was once home to the most notorious criminals in American history. From bank robbers to gangsters, Alcatraz housed a who’s who of the criminal underworld during its operation as a federal prison from 1934 to 1963.
The island’s remote location made it an ideal choice for the federal government to house its most dangerous inmates. Many of the prisoners who called Alcatraz home were involved in high-profile crimes, including the famous “Birdman” gang, who were involved in a series of daring bank robberies in the 1930s. Among the most famous criminals to be imprisoned at Alcatraz were Al Capone, George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Robert “Birdman” Stroud.
Al Capone, the notorious gangster, was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934 after serving time for tax evasion. Despite his fame and influence, Capone was unable to avoid the strict discipline and isolation that characterized life at Alcatraz. He was known to have tried to bribe guards and inmates alike, but his attempts were unsuccessful. Capone spent only about four years at Alcatraz before dying of natural causes in 1947.
George “Machine Gun” Kelly was another high-profile inmate at Alcatraz. He was sentenced to life in prison for his role in a series of bank robberies in the 1930s. Kelly was a charismatic and ruthless criminal who was known for his use of firearms and his ability to manipulate others. He spent two years at Alcatraz before being transferred to another prison in 1936.
Robert “Birdman” Stroud was a federal prisoner who was transferred to Alcatraz in 1942. Stroud was serving a life sentence for murder and was known for his fascination with birds. He became a self-taught ornithologist and even wrote a book about bird migration. Despite his interest in birds, Stroud was still a dangerous inmate and was involved in several escapes attempts during his time at Alcatraz.
Alcatraz was also home to many other infamous criminals, including Alvin Karpis, who was the leader of the Karpis gang, and Arthur “Doc” Barker, who was a member of the Barker gang. Both of these gangsters were involved in a series of bank robberies and were among the most dangerous criminals of their time.
While Alcatraz has been closed for over 50 years, its legacy as a maximum-security prison remains. The island’s reputation for being escape-proof has made it a symbol of the American justice system and a place of fascination for many. The stories of the criminals who called Alcatraz home continue to captivate the imagination and provide a glimpse into the dark side of American history.
