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.
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.
Operating Room
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.
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.
The Last Prisoners
Alcatraz was built and became a civilian prison in 1934. It served as one of the harshest prisons in the United States for thirty years. It was isolated and held some of the most dangerous criminals. On March 21, 1963, the prison closed its gates, and the last of the inmates were transferred to other prisons across the country.
The decision to close the prison was taken a long time before the Morris and the Anglins escaped. As it turns out, the operational cost and overall prison expenses were just too high to keep. This photo shows the very last inmates making their way elsewhere.