Located in San Francisco Bay, California, Alcatraz island sits over 2,400 m offshore. From 1934 to 1963, it served as a high-security federal prison, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and Robert Stroud. Nicknamed "The Rock," Alcatraz earned a reputation for being inescapable. Today, the island is a National Historic Landmark managed by the National Park Service.

Alcatraz currently attracts approximately one million visitors each year, accessible only by ferry. USA Today

In May, former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social his idea to reopen Alcatraz. The plan aimed to make Alcatraz a holding place for "the most violent and dangerous criminals".

On 17/7, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum visited the island, suggesting the Trump administration was seriously considering the idea. San Francisco Chronicle

In 1775, Spanish navigator Juan Manuel de Ayala explored the island. He named it Isla de los Alcatraces due to the abundance of seabirds, likely pelicans. After the Mexican-American War in 1848, the US gained control of the island from Mexico. SF Travel

In 1933, Alcatraz was transferred to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The prison was designed to hold violent criminals or those with a high risk of escape.

Alcatraz maintained strict hygiene standards and was considered one of the cleanest prisons of its time. The food was reportedly better than in many other prisons, with menus designed by nutritionists. Compliant prisoners could earn privileges such as family visits, painting, or work assignments. Those with good behavior could work at the warden's house or in the sewing shop. Axios

On 2/5/1942, Alcatraz witnessed one of its largest attacks. Residents of San Francisco, standing along the shore, could see smoke rising from the island as a group of inmates, led by bank robber Bernard Coy, broke into the prison's gun room.

They armed themselves, freed other prisoners, took several guards hostage, and demanded a boat to leave the island. The riot quickly escalated into a shootout, and the army arrived to support the police and guards. The cell block Coy and his accomplices occupied was attacked with grenades and caught fire. SF Travel

The small cells were built for single occupancy to minimize conflict. D-Block was used to isolate the most dangerous prisoners. The dining hall was considered dangerous, with 14 tear gas canisters mounted on the ceiling.

Sharp bone fragments were completely removed to prevent their use as weapons. Coffee was served cold to prevent burns. Reuters

At the ferry terminal, visitors can see a large watchtower. This tower was formerly used by guards to monitor the island for any unusual activity and issue warnings. Blush Rougette

Alcatraz has recorded 14 escape attempts involving over 30 inmates. Five of these prisoners disappeared and are presumed to have drowned.

The most famous escape occurred in June 1962 when three inmates, Frank Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, escaped through ventilation shafts. They used raincoats to make a raft to leave the island, but their fate remains a mystery. The 1979 film "Escape from Alcatraz" depicts this event. ABC News

Alcatraz prison closed on 21/3/1963 due to high operating costs, three times that of other prisons.

Reopening Alcatraz as a prison would require significant effort and expense. Repairs and new construction are estimated to cost over one billion USD. Former acting director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Hugh Hurwitz, considered renovations impractical. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie opposed the plan, stating the city needs funding for security and economic recovery more than reopening the prison. LA Times

Hoai Anh (Business Insider)