The operating room in Alcatraz prison was basically a complete operational procedure room in a cell. The San Francisco Health Department managed it and was responsible for its safety and functionality. To many, the operating room looked spooky and threatening; however, this ensured the inmates were kept healthy. One of the San Francisco Health Department’s most important responsibilities was preventing the spreading of diseases.
This could have been a disaster, as it could have affected the prisoners and the guards alike. It has been reported that over the years the prison operated, 15 prisoners died of natural diseases and illnesses. The rest either took their own lives or their lives were taken from them.
Reality Bites
After reading this, you realize the harsh reality some people live in. This proved how intelligent, sensible, and, most of all, sensitive some of these prisoners were. A prisoner created this drawing, and it reads; "When my family, the church, the school, and the community fail, those wardens are supposed to perform a miracle and re-habilitate me."
Of course, most of the prisoners, not only in Alcatraz but in all prisons all over the world, belong behind bars and must pay the price back to the community; however, there are some ( even until this day) that will little support, and little guidance, could fit back into society, and live their life (legally) and peacefully.
A Military Garrison
This next photo was taken in the early days of May 1946 during the Battle of Alcatraz. This battle resulted from an escape attempt by armed inmates to escape the prison walls. Two prison officers, William A. Miller and Harold Stites, were killed during these riots.
In this photo, prison guides arrive by boat at the Alcatraz prison during one of the attacks on the rebels. Over the years, there were 14 separate attempts to escape the prison, the first in 1936 and December 1962 the last. The Battle of Alcatraz was the 10th attempt recorded.
Paul G. Madigan
At first, this photo may seem like an ordinary photograph of some manager or clerk, but in fact, this image has a lot of historical significance. In this photo, Paul G. Madigan, the warden of Alcatraz Federal Prison, sits at his desk, completing daily routine duties. What is not seen in this photo is that this was an historic day for the prison.
This was taken on March 15th, 1956, and it was the first time the prison gates were open for publicity. This was the first time press, television, radio, and other reporters were allowed into the prison to document and see the truth behind this place's story.
Exercise Yard
In 1934, the Alcatraz prison inmates were introduced to "The Back Yard." This was the place to exercise, relax, and take time out. It was located next to the dining hall and surrounded by a high wall and barbwire fence. Until 1936, there was just an unpaved court used for the outside space, so when the yard was completed, it was a real upgrade for the inmate's imprisonment conditions.
The heavy barbwire surrounding the yard guaranteed that no one could ever climb this wall, not even to view the magnificent ocean scenery on the other side. This yard served Alcatraz prisoners until its final days in 1963 when the prison closed down.