ALCATRAZ HISTORY - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
©2002 RJ BestALCATRAZ HISTORY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ALCATRAZ
How big was the average cell?
Each cell in B & C block was 5 feet by 9 feet. All cells had
a small sink with cold running water, small sleeping cot, and a
toilet. Most men could extend their arms and touch each wall within
their cell. The cells in D Block (called "segregation")
were more spacious, but less desirable.
How many cells were there?
Alcatraz was divided into four blocks. A Block was used solely
for materials storage. (There were, of course, occasional exceptions
made to this rule. When an inmate didn't require full solitary confinement
but needed to be separated from other inmates, A Block was sometimes
used. Records indicate that Sam Shockley and Miran Thompson were
both imprisoned in A Block – separated multiple cell lengths
– after the 1946 Riots and while standing trial for the deaths
of two Alcatraz Guards from the 1946 escape attempt.) There were
336 cells in B & C Blocks. According to the National Park Service,
there were originally 348, but 12 were removed when stairways were
installed at the end of each cellblock. Two cells on the end of
C Block were used as restrooms for the guard staff. The dreaded
D Block contained 36 segregation cells and 6 solitary confinement
cells (known as confinement chambers by many inmates).
How many prisoners did Alcatraz have at any given time?
The highest number ever recorded was 302, and the lowest number
222. The average number of inmates during the 29 years of service
was around 260. Approximately 1545 total men were imprisoned there.
The National Park Service indicates that although 1,576 number were
issued, over thirty convicts returned to Alcatraz and were issued
new numbers.
What was the average stay?
The average length of residence was about eight years.
Where did the families of the guard staff live?
At any given time, about 300 civilians lived on Alcatraz –
that included women and children. Building #64 housed most families.
In addition, there were three apartment buildings, one large duplex,
and four large wooden houses for senior officers. Families enjoyed
their own bowling alley, small convenience store, and soda fountain
shop for the younger island residents. Because the prison boat made
twelve scheduled runs to the Van Ness Street Pier each day, families
did most of their shopping on the mainland. The Warden lived in
a large home adjacent to the cell house and used inmates with good
conduct records for cleaning and cooking. The Captain and the Associate
Warden lived in the duplex.
How many guards worked here?
Ninety officers were required to cover the three 8-hour shifts,
plus sick leave and vacation time. Two-thirds of the custody staff
resided on the island with the rest in San Francisco and local areas.
Were Alcatraz inmates allowed visitors?
Yes. Inmates were granted one visit per month and each visitation
had to be approved directly by the Warden. No physical contact was
allowed. Inmates were not allowed to discuss current events or any
matters concerning prison life. They talked with visitors via intercom
and a correctional officer was supposed to monitor the conversations.
Inappropriate conduct during visits would result in a loss of visiting
and/or other privileges.
Did any Alcatraz inmates have anything good to say about the prison?
Oddly, yes. During an interview with Inmate Willie Radkay (he shared
a cell next to Machine Gun Kelly), he indicated that having one's
own cell was a great advantage over other federal prisons. The chances
of being sexually violated and the privacy aspect were cherished
benefits. He also stated that, most of the time, the staff treated
the inmates respectfully, though they rarely spoke to one another.
Believe it or not, the food was cited by many inmates as the best
within the entire prison system.
What did inmates dislike most about Alcatraz?
The rule of silence was probably the most difficult to bear. This
rule was considered harsh and inmates were disciplined for even
minor violations of it. In the earlier years of Alcatraz, inmates
were not allowed to talk to one another except during meals and
recreation periods. It wasn't uncommon for inmates to empty out
the water from their toilets to create a primitive communications
system through the sewage piping. Inmates also state that the island
was always cold. Most agree that cells on their higher tiers with
window views were more popular since they tended to be warmer than
the ground level cells.
How many prisoners were executed at Alcatraz?
None. Alcatraz had no facilities for Capital Punishment, so the
process was left to State institutions. Alcatraz inmates awaiting
a death sentence were transferred to San Quentin State Penitentiary
for execution in the Gas Chamber.
How many people died while at Alcatraz?
Eight people were murdered by inmates on Alcatraz. Five men committed
suicide, and fifteen died from natural illnesses. Though the island
had its own morgue, no autopsies were performed there. All deceased
inmates were brought back to the mainland and released to San Francisco
County.
Has anyone ever escaped from Alcatraz?
Depends what you mean by "escaped."
Federal officials state that nobody ever escaped. The escape attempt
of June 11, 1962, however, leaves a lingering doubt. The three men
who disappeared from the prison on that date (the escape attempt
made famous by the Clint Eastwood movie, Escape from Alcatraz) are
presumed drowned – they were never found. Does that qualify
as an official escape? You be the judge.
Some military prisoners were successful, though. Perhaps their
success is what made federal officials beef up security so much
when Alcatraz became a United States Penitentiary.
How many people escaped?
Thirty-six prisoners were involved in
escape attempts.
Two inmates actually successfully made it off the island but were quickly captured.
Seven inmates were shot and killed trying to escape.
Two drowned and five inmates have been presumed drowned.
Did anybody get released?
Only two men were ever paroled directly from Alcatraz to the free world.
Was it true that inmates were locked in dungeons for punishment?
Prisoners enjoyed telling the press wild tales about the dungeon
and the torture that was delivered there. The truth is less colorful
– as well as less clear. The cells below A Block were real
dungeons built during the 1860s when Alcatraz a military fortress.
Through the years, the dungeon was indeed used to house and punish
political as well as military prisoners. When Alcatraz became a
federal prison, Warden Johnston supposedly made use of the old rooms
to punish escapers like John Standig, troublemakers like James Grove
and Henry Larry, and the leaders of the 1936 and 1937 general strikes.
A Block was used frequently as the segregation unit before D Block
had undergone the transformation into a lock-down unit. The conditions
were so harsh and cruel, however, that Bureau of Prisons Director
James V. Bennett finally decided that this form of punishment was
too cruel and forbade further use of the dungeons. After 1942, the
biggest troublemakers were sent to the Hole, a sensory-deprivation
chamber located above ground in the newly remodeled D-Block or
"Special Treatment Unit".
Where's Al Capone's cell? Where's the Birdman's cell?
Former prisoners and Correctional Officers indicate that Al Capone's
cell was on the outside west end of Cellblock B. Capone spent more
time in the hospital than in the general population (GP).
Robert Stroud (Birdman of Alcatraz) arrived in 1942, spent some
90 days in the GP, and was then transferred to D Block. Occupying
more than one cell over a period of seventeen years, Stroud stayed
in D block cell for approximately six years and was then moved up
to the hospital in 1948, staying for eleven years, by request of
Warden Swope.
How many birds did Robert Stroud keep while on Alcatraz?
None. Stroud had bred and studied birds at the Federal Penitentiary
in Leavenworth, Kansas but wasn't allowed to keep any at Alcatraz
because he'd abused his privileges while at Leavenworth. Alcatraz
wasn't about to trust him with a record as bad as his.
Why and when did Alcatraz close?
Primarily because of rising costs and deteriorating facilities.
Operationally, Alcatraz was the most expensive of any state or federal
institution – its isolated location was great for keeping
escape attempts low but lousy at keeping costs down. It cost so
much money to get essentials to the island that authorities determined
other institutions could serve the same purpose for less cost. USP
Alcatraz closed on March 21, 1963 (last prisoners removed on this
day) and was transferred to the General Services Administration
(GSA) in May 1963.
Information on Dungeons:
http://www.notfrisco2.com/alcatraz/faq/faq2.html
Photos of Area not open to the Public:
http://www.notfrisco2.com/alcatraz/pics/martini/index.html
Copyright TourCorp Inc. 2003-08 - All Rights Reserved
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The award-winning Alcatraz Cellhouse Audio Tour brings history alive
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Hear both sides of life in the island prison including such famous events as escape attempts,
"The Battle of '46", food riots, and surviving solitary confinement.
The new Cellhouse Audio Tour is an expanded version of the original award-winning tour
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The tour is available in English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Japanese Dutch and Mandarin.
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| 1-Day Combo Boat Cruise Packages |
Golden Gate Bay Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: One Hour Bay Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Golden Gate Bay Cruise Departures start at 10:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Bay Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
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California Sunset Cruise plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: Two Hour Sunset Cruise plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Sunset Cruise departs at 6:00pm or 7:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Sunset Cruise departs from Pier 43 1/2 and Alcatraz Ferry departs from Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$34.00 - $48.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Ultimate City Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: 3.5 Hour City Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: City Tour departs daily at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$25.00 - $46.00 (USD)
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Redwoods and Sausalito Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: 3.5 Hours Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Muir Woods Tour departs daily at 9:00am and 2:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$24.00 - $50.00 (USD)
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Segway Day Tour San Francisco PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservation - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Tour is the most sensational way to see the city by the bay! You will love gliding through the waterfront on a eco-friendly Segway. This journey will take you to the best views and hidden locations. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, you'll explore the San Francisco waterfront for two hours! Reservations are required. Easy to learn and fun to ride. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2.5 hour Guided Segway Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Segway Daily 9:00 AM April - October or 10:30 AM September through March - Alcatraz as an Afternoon Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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San Francisco Night Segway Tour PLUS Alcatraz as a separate reservations - 2 reservations and 2 separate charges
SEGWAY NIGHT TOUR: The San Francisco Guided Segway Night Tour will take you to the best views and hidden locations of Fisherman's Wharf and the Waterfront. You will love sightseeing on an eco-friendly Segway. Tour Overview: After a 40-45 minute training on how to safely operate the Segway, your fully narrated evening Segway tour will feature spectacular evening views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghirardeli Square, Municipal Pier and more. Reservations are required. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Duration: Combo Tour : 2 Hour Guided Segway Night Tour Plus Alcatraz - 2-3 hours.
Departure Dates & Times: Segway Night Tour 4:30 PM Friday and Saturdays April - October
or 7:00 PM September through March - Thursday - Sunday
Alcatraz as an AM Departure
Departs from: 757 Beach Street - Rear parking lot, San Francisco CA 94109
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$70.00 - $70.00 (USD)
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Double Decker - Downtown Loop plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass + 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart Daily every 30 minutes from 9:30am - 5:00pm. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square
Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
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Double Decker 2 for 1 - Downtown and Golden Gate Loops plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: 48 Hour Hop On Hop Off Pass plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island
Departure Dates & Times: Double Decker Buses depart daily starting at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf at 2800 Leavenworth Street or Union Square. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$27.99 - $46.99 (USD)
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| 2-Day Sightseeing Tour Combo Packages |
Muir Woods and Wine Country plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
WINE COUNTRY & MUIR GIANT REDWOODS IN ONE DAY: The ONLY tour combining the two most popular destinations outside of San Francisco ! Groups no larger than 15 make this a great way to travel. The 8 hour tour starts with an extended stop in Muir Woods National Park. The afternoon is spent in Sonoma Valley for Wine tasting and then back through Sausalito and returning to San Francisco. Age 21 and up for Wine Tasting.
Duration: Combo Tour: 9 - 10 Hour Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour
Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country and Muir Woods Tour Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday9:00 AM
Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: San Francisco Hotel Pick Up Provided (Not available from Airport Hotels)
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$75.00 - $85.00 (USD)
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Wine Country Tour plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
Duration: 7-8 Hours Wine Country Tour plus 2-3 Hours suggested time on Alcatraz Island on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Wine Country Tour departs daily at 9:00am. Alcatraz Departure will be confirmed for a specific time.
Departs from: Fisherman's Wharf or Complimentary Pick Up from your San Francisco Hotel. Alcatraz Ferry departs Pier 33
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$55.99 - $69.99 (USD)
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Monterey Carmel Tour - 1st reservation plus Alcatraz as a 2nd reservation
MONTEREY & CARMEL TOUR : Tour goes south on Highway 1 through Santa Cruz. Every turn features one spectacular view after another. Scheduled stops include: Steinbeck's Cannery Row in Monterey, the gallery and restaurant district of Carmel-by-the-Sea and spectacular vistas along the 17 Mile Drive tm including Pebble Beach Golf Course and the Lone Cypress, Your tour returns through Silicon Valley, the high tech capital of the world. Approx. 2.25 Hours in Monterey and Cannery Row and 1.25 Hours in Carmel by the Sea.
Duration: Combo Tour 8-10 hour Monterey Carmel Tour
Alcatraz - 2-3 hours on a second day.
Departure Dates & Times: Monterey Carmel Tour: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat at 9:00 AM
Alcatraz Ferry time will be confirmed based on availability
Departs from: 2800 Leavenworth St. 1st Floor between Jefferson St and Beach St. or Hotel Pick Up
For a Combo order you will pay the Tour/Cruise Rates listed below
PLUS a second charge for the Day Alcatraz Ferry and Audio Tour:
$26.00 for Adult/Junior (12-61), $24.50 for Seniors (62+) and $16.00 for Children (5-11)
Tour/Cruise Price from:
$49.99 - $74.99 (USD)
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A very limited amount of Night Alcatraz Tours are available from
Thursday through Monday nights only. Departures are 4:10 PM or 5:10 PM. Higher Night Tour rate will be charged.
Ferry and Night Tour Departure Times are 4:10 PM and 5:10 PM. Please indicate if you want a Night Tour on your order.
If Night tours are unavailable a day Alcatraz tour if available will be reserved for you.
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