Alcatraz Island sits in a bay 2 kilometres off the coast of San Francisco and its infamous prison— has been closed for more than 60 years.
Since the penitentiary doors last slammed shut, the island and prison — nicknamed “The Rock” — has been converted into one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.
Now US President Donald Trump wants the island reopened and rebuilt as part of his administration’s push to crack down on violent crime, and the plan has already drawn criticism from political opponents who say the idea is illogical.
Alcatraz Prison
Infamously inescapable due to the strong ocean currents and cold Pacific waters that surround it — housed some of the nation’s most dangerous criminals, including gangster Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
After 29 years of operation, Alcatraz prison had grown too expensive to keep open due to estimated restoration and maintenance costs of up to $US5 million ($7.7 million). In 1963, it closed and was largely abandoned.
Alcatraz was billed as America’s most secure prison due to its isolated location and no successful escapes were ever officially recorded, although five prisoners are still listed as “missing and presumed drowned”.
If Mr Trump is to go to ahead with Alcatraz’s reopening, he would need to find large sums of federal money to bankroll his plans to substantially rebuild the island. | abc.net.au
Photos: AP/Noah Berger via abc.net.au
