When Did Alcatraz Open Close and Who Escaped? A Look at The Rock

Posted: May 6, 2025 | By US Prison Guide Team

Alcatraz sits on a rocky island in San Francisco Bay. It’s known as one of the toughest prisons in U.S. history. Gangsters like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly served time there. Some inmates tried to escape its walls. President Trump just ordered it to reopen in 2025. When did Alcatraz open close and who escaped? Alcatraz opened as a federal prison on July 1, 1934, and closed on March 21, 1963. Over 36 inmates tried to escape, but only three—Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin—might have made it out alive in 1962, though no one knows for sure. Let’s break down where Alcatraz is, its history, the stories of Capone and Kelly, Trump’s plan to reopen it, and the famous escape that still sparks debate.

Where Is Alcatraz Located?

Alcatraz Island sits 1.25 miles off the coast of San Francisco, California. It’s in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The island spans 22 acres. You can see the city skyline from its shores, but cold waters and strong currents make it feel far away.

Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala named it in 1775. He called it La Isla de los Alcatraces, meaning Island of the Pelicans, because of the birds living there. Those pelicans are gone now, but the name stuck. Have you ever been to a place that felt so close yet so far?

Is Alcatraz a Federal Prison?

Yes, Alcatraz was a federal prison. The U.S. Department of Justice took over the island in 1933. They turned it into a federal penitentiary to hold the worst criminals—those who caused trouble at other federal prisons or tried to escape. It stayed a federal prison until it closed in 1963.

Now, it’s a National Park site. But on May 4, 2025, President Trump ordered the Bureau of Prisons to reopen it as a federal prison again. He wants to use it to house what he calls “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders.” More on that later.

When Did Alcatraz Open and Close?

Alcatraz started as a military fort in the 1850s. The U.S. Army used it to guard San Francisco Bay. It held prisoners during the Civil War, like Confederate sympathizers. By 1907, it became a full military prison.

The U.S. Department of Justice took over in 1933. They turned it into a federal prison. Alcatraz opened as a federal penitentiary on July 1, 1934. It was meant for inmates who didn’t follow rules at other prisons—like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.

Alcatraz closed on March 21, 1963, after 29 years. The government shut it down because it cost too much to run. It took about $10 per prisoner per day, compared to $3 at other prisons, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. They needed $3 to $5 million just to fix the place up—saltwater had damaged the buildings. Everything had to be shipped in by boat, even water. Nearly one million gallons of fresh water went to the island each week.

Some think the 1962 escape pushed the closure. But records show the decision came earlier. The government found it cheaper to build a new prison, like the one in Marion, Illinois, than to keep Alcatraz open. Why do you think it cost so much to run a prison on an island?

What Was the Capacity of Alcatraz Prison?

Alcatraz could hold up to 336 prisoners at full capacity. But it never reached that number. On average, it housed about 260 to 275 inmates at any time, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. That’s less than 1% of the total federal prison population back then.

Trump’s plan in 2025 calls for a “substantially enlarged” Alcatraz. With over 1.2 million people in U.S. prisons as of 2023, per the Bureau of Justice Statistics, a small place like Alcatraz might not help much. Experts like historian Jolene Babyak told Axios in May 2025 that the island’s crumbling setup can’t handle more inmates without big changes—like fixing water and sewage systems. How many prisoners do you think a rebuilt Alcatraz could hold?

Is Alcatraz Open Today?

Yes, Alcatraz is open—but not as a prison right now. It’s a National Park site. The Golden Gate National Recreation Area took over in 1972. It opened to the public in 1973. Over 1.4 million people visit each year, making it one of San Francisco’s top spots.

You can take a ferry from Pier 33 in San Francisco to get there. Tours let you walk through the cell blocks, see the dining hall, and hear stories from former inmates and guards. There’s an audio tour in 11 languages, including English and Spanish. You can also see exhibits about its history, like the Native American occupation from 1969 to 1971.

I took the Alcatraz Night Tour a few years back. Walking those halls at sunset gave me chills, especially hearing about the escapes. The view of San Francisco from the island was worth the trip. But with Trump’s new plan, that might change. Would you want to visit Alcatraz as a museum or a working prison?

Why Has Trump Said He Will Reopen Alcatraz Prison?

On May 4, 2025, President Trump announced plans to reopen Alcatraz as a federal prison. He posted on Truth Social, saying he’s directing the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Justice, FBI, and Homeland Security to rebuild and expand it. He wants to house “America’s most ruthless and violent offenders” there.

Trump gave a few reasons for this move.

He thinks crime is out of control. Trump wrote that “vicious, violent, and repeat criminal offenders” plague America. He says past leaders locked up dangerous criminals to keep them away from society, and he wants to do the same.
He’s frustrated with judges. Trump told reporters on May 4, 2025, that “radicalized judges” want trials for every undocumented immigrant he tries to deport. He’s clashed with courts over sending alleged gang members to El Salvador without due process, per a Texas judge’s ruling in May 2025.
It’s a symbol. Trump called Alcatraz a “symbol of law and order.” He wants to send a message that his administration will be tough on crime, as experts told the BBC in May 2025.

Some disagree with Trump’s plan. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat, said on X on May 5, 2025, “The President’s proposal is not a serious one.” She noted Alcatraz is a popular tourist spot now. Others, like San Francisco state senator Scott Wiener, called the idea “absurd on its face” and “deeply unhinged,” arguing it attacks the rule of law. What do you think about Trump’s reasons for reopening Alcatraz?

When Will Alcatraz Reopen as a Prison?

It’s not clear when Alcatraz might reopen as a prison. Trump’s announcement on May 4, 2025, didn’t give a timeline. The Bureau of Prisons Director William K. Marshall III said on May 5, 2025, that he ordered an “immediate assessment” to figure out the next steps. But there are big hurdles.

Here’s why it might take a while—or not happen at all.

High costs. Alcatraz closed in 1963 because it was too expensive to run—three times more than other federal prisons. Everything, like water and fuel, had to be brought by boat. Historian Jolene Babyak told Axios in May 2025 that water and sewage issues make it impractical today.
Old buildings. The prison needs major repairs. In 1962, it needed $5 million just for maintenance—about $53 million today. A 2024 National Park Service project to fix the main prison building won’t finish until 2027, per the Los Angeles Times.
Opposition. Many, like Nancy Pelosi and Scott Wiener, say the plan isn’t serious. The federal prison system already has 25% empty beds, per a BBC report in May 2025, so a new prison might not be needed.

Trump called it “just an idea” when speaking to reporters on May 4, 2025. Some experts, like Krista Neumann from ABC News, said on May 5, 2025, that Trump often floats ideas that don’t happen after studies show they’re not practical. Will Alcatraz reopen as a prison anytime soon? It’s hard to say, but it won’t be quick. What do you think about turning a tourist spot back into a prison?

Al Capone at Alcatraz

Al Capone, a famous gangster, served time at Alcatraz. He led the Chicago Outfit, a crime group, during Prohibition in the 1920s. Capone got rich from illegal alcohol sales, gambling, and other crimes. But tax evasion landed him in prison—not his violent acts.

Capone arrived at Alcatraz in August 1934, just weeks after it opened. He was inmate number 85. He spent four and a half years there, from 1934 to 1938, before moving to a hospital unit in 1939 due to syphilis. He had his own cell, like all inmates, measuring 9 feet by 5 feet. No special treatment here—he swept floors and worked in the laundry like everyone else.

Capone tried to keep a low profile. He got into a fight once and spent eight days in isolation. Another inmate stabbed him with shears in the basement, but he survived. He also played banjo in the prison band, the Rock Islanders. I heard a recording of their music online—it’s hard to picture a guy like Capone playing in a band.

Did Al Capone die in Alcatraz Prison? No, he didn’t. His health got worse from untreated syphilis. Doctors tried a new treatment, injecting him with malaria to fight the disease. It almost killed him. By 1939, he was too sick to stay. They moved him to Terminal Island in California to finish his 11-year sentence. He got out in 1939 and died in 1947 at his home in Florida.

Capone’s time at Alcatraz shows how even big names faced the same rules. What do you think it was like for him to go from running a crime empire to mopping floors?

George “Machine Gun” Kelly at Alcatraz

Another big name at Alcatraz was George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Born George Kelly Barnes on July 17, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee, he stood at 5 feet 10 inches tall. He got his nickname from his wife, Kathryn Kelly, who bought him a machine gun to boost his image as a tough gangster. Kathryn, born Cleo Mae Brooks in 1904, played a big role in his criminal life, often pushing him into bigger crimes.

George “Machine Gun” Kelly committed many crimes in the 1920s and 1930s. He started with bootlegging during Prohibition, selling illegal alcohol. He also robbed banks across the South and Midwest. His biggest crime was kidnapping. In July 1933, Kelly and Kathryn kidnapped Charles F. Urschel, a wealthy oil businessman from Oklahoma City, demanding a $200,000 ransom—about $5 million today. They held Urschel for nine days before releasing him after getting the money. Urschel’s memory of sounds and details, like a plane flying overhead, helped the FBI track Kelly down.

What did George “Machine Gun” Kelly do to end up in jail, and what was his prison sentence? The FBI arrested Kelly and Kathryn on September 26, 1933, in Memphis. They were charged with kidnapping under the new Lindbergh Law, named after the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s baby. On October 12, 1933, a court in Oklahoma City found them guilty. Kelly got a life sentence for the kidnapping. Kathryn also received life but was released in 1958 after serving 25 years.

Kelly arrived at Alcatraz on September 4, 1934, as inmate number 117. He spent 17 years there, from 1934 to 1951. Guards called him a model prisoner. He worked in the laundry and clerked for the prison office. Unlike Capone, he avoided fights and stayed out of trouble. In 1951, they moved him to Leavenworth Federal Prison in Kansas to finish his sentence.

How did George “Machine Gun” Kelly die, and what was his cause of death? Kelly didn’t die in Alcatraz. He passed away at Leavenworth on July 18, 1954—his 59th birthday. The cause of death was a heart attack, likely tied to years of health issues. Kathryn outlived him, dying in 1985 in Oklahoma at age 81, after working as a bookkeeper post-release.

Kelly’s story at Alcatraz shows how some inmates adapted to prison life. He went from a flashy kidnapper to a quiet worker behind bars. What do you think made him change his ways?

Who Escaped from Alcatraz?

Alcatraz was called escape-proof. Cold water, strong currents, and tight security made it tough. Over 29 years, 36 inmates tried to escape in 14 attempts. Most didn’t make it.

Here’s what happened to some.

23 got caught. Guards or police nabbed them before they reached the mainland.
Seven were shot and killed. They died during their attempts, like in the 1946 Battle of Alcatraz, where six inmates fought guards, killing two officers before marines stepped in.
Two drowned. They didn’t survive the swim to shore.
Five went missing. They’re presumed drowned, but no one knows for sure.

The most famous escape happened on June 11, 1962. Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin broke out. They planned for months, working with a fourth man, Allen West, who didn’t make it out.

The 1962 Escape from Alcatraz

Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin pulled off the biggest escape in Alcatraz history. Why was it so famous? They used clever tricks to fool guards.

Here’s how they did it, based on FBI reports.

They started planning in December 1961. They found old saw blades to use as tools.
They made a drill from a vacuum cleaner motor. They used it to widen air vents in their cells.
They built fake heads from papier-mâché, paint, and human hair. They placed these in their beds to trick guards during night checks.
They hid their work with fake grilles made from magazine paper.
They escaped through a utility corridor behind their cells, climbed pipes to the roof, and pried open a vent.
They made a raft from 50 stolen raincoats, stitching them together and sealing seams with steam pipes. They also built paddles.

On June 11, 1962, they left. West couldn’t get out—his vent cover got stuck. The three others climbed to the roof, slid down a pipe, and reached the shore. They launched their raft toward Angel Island, planning to swim to Marin County and steal clothes. No one saw them again.

Did they survive? The FBI says no. They found bits of the raft and a paddle near Angel Island. A waterproof bag with photos and addresses washed up too. But no bodies turned up. Posts on X mention a 2013 letter, allegedly from John Anglin, saying they made it but barely. He claimed Morris died in 2005 and Clarence in 2008. The FBI couldn’t confirm the letter’s authenticity, so it’s inconclusive.

Some think they drowned in the cold water—about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit—with strong currents. Others believe they made it. A 2018 BBC report said a man confessed on his deathbed to killing them, but no bodies were found. The U.S. Marshals keep the case open, saying it’ll stay that way until the men are proven dead or turn 99. If alive in 2025, Morris would be 98, John 94, and Clarence 93.

The escape inspired the 1979 movie Escape from Alcatraz with Clint Eastwood as Frank Morris. I watched it last year—it’s tense, showing how they planned every step. What do you think—did they make it to shore?

Other Notable Escape Attempts

The 1962 escape wasn’t the only one. Here are a few others.

In 1946, the Battle of Alcatraz broke out. Six inmates—Bernard Coy, Joseph Cretzer, and others—overpowered guards and took weapons. They tried to get out but couldn’t open a door. A fight with guards and marines left two officers and three inmates dead. Two others got the death penalty later.
In 1956, Floyd Wilson escaped from a work detail on the dock. He hid on the shore for hours but got caught, too cold to swim.
In 1962, John Paul Scott and Darl Lee Parker bent kitchen window bars and swam toward the mainland. Parker was caught fast. Scott made it to Fort Point under the Golden Gate Bridge but passed out from the cold. People found him and turned him over to police.

Alcatraz records show no one officially escaped and survived. But the 1962 case keeps people guessing. Why do you think so many tried to escape, knowing the odds?

Redwood County’s Thoughts: Local Views on Alcatraz

In Redwood County, Minnesota, Alcatraz fascinates locals. At a May 5, 2025, history club meeting in Redwood Falls, people shared their thoughts. A retired teacher said, “I read about when Alcatraz opened, closed, and who escaped. That 1962 escape sounds like a movie. I think they drowned, though.”

A student added, “I saw Escape from Alcatraz on TV. It’s wild to think Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly were there. But reopening it as a prison? I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” Folks here see Alcatraz as a piece of history worth learning about. They wonder about the escapees’ fate and Trump’s plan. What’s your guess—did those three make it?

What Can You Learn from Alcatraz?

Alcatraz’s story teaches a lot. When did Alcatraz open, close, and who escaped? It opened in 1934, closed in 1963, and Frank Morris with the Anglin brothers might have escaped in 1962. Capone and Kelly’s time there shows even big names faced hard rules. Trump’s plan to reopen it in 2025 aims to bring back its role as a federal prison. Here’s what you can take away.

Visit Alcatraz now. Take a tour to see the cells and hear the stories while it’s still a museum. It’s a real look at history.
Think about justice. Alcatraz held tough criminals, but some say its rules were too harsh. Trump wants to use it again for “violent offenders.” What do you think makes a fair prison?
Learn from the past. The escapees planned for months. You can plan ahead in your life too, for better goals.

I’ve always been curious about Alcatraz. Reading about Capone, Kelly, and the escapes made me think about how people adapt to tough spots. Trump’s plan to reopen it adds a new twist—will it happen? It’s a reminder to stay smart and safe, no matter the challenge. What will you do with these lessons from Alcatraz?