Alcatraz: Battles And Escapes (1/8)
 

On 21 March 1963, Alcatraz federal prison closed its crumbling doors and walls to criminals forever. During its 30 year history as a penitentiary, The Rock hosted many dramas including a gun battle and 14 escape attempts. Some of the key events in its history were covered by Pathe News at the time.

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The Rock
1.5 miles offshore from San Francisco lies Alcatraz island. The island was initially developed as a military garrison and then in 1868 it became a military prison. In 1934, Alcatraz became a federal prison housing some of America's worst criminals.

The penitentiary was only in operation for 29 years. It claimed that no prisoner successfully escaped. A total of 36 prisoners made 14 escape attempts, two men trying twice; 23 were caught, six were shot and killed during their escape, two drowned, and five are listed as "missing and presumed drowned".