Let’s face it – when Alcatraz was open as a prison, it was a scary place. But now, even though the maximum security prison is open for tourism, it is still scary. Maybe because it is so isolated, sitting out there in the middle of the San Francisco bay, Alcatraz, also known as The Rock, has been used as a military fort, a military prison, and a federal prison.
(This image from PD Photo.org has been released into the public domain by its author and copyright holder, Jon Sullivan.)
The federal government acquired the island back in 1846 and the army used it as a fort from 1853 until it was designated as a military prison in 1868. The first floor was below ground level, giving it a dungeon feel. During World War I, conscientious objectors were sent to Alcatraz. One objector, Philip Grosser, dubbed it ‘Uncle Sam’s Devil’s Island.”
By 1933, Alcatraz had become a federal prison, housing such infamous criminals as Al Capone, Robert Franklin Stroud (better known as the Birdman of Alcatraz), George “Machine Gun” Kelly, and Alvin Karpis (who served more time there than any other prisoner). It was known for its harsh environment and no one is ever believed to have successfully escaped from it. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy decided to close the prison in March 1963 due to the cost of running it. It was named a recreation area in 1972 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
But, could some of the former inmates still reside there? For years, visitors and tourist guides have reported hearing screams, cell doors slamming, and footsteps with no logical explanation. In 1976, a night watchman reported hearing clanging sounds from inside a door across from the visiting room. Every time he would open the door, the sounds would stop, but when he shut the door again, the noises started again. Another night watchman reported hearing what sounded like men running a tier above him, but when he investigated the sound, he found nothing. Guides have reported hearing screams from the “dungeon” and voices coming from the hospital ward when no one was there.
One of the “hole” cells is well know by several guides and rangers. Number 14D is colder than other cells, no matter what the outside temperature is like. And workers have said they get an eerie feeling if they spend too much time near the cell. During the 40s, it is rumored that an inmate who was locked in 14D reported seeing a creature with “glowing eyes.” The inmate screamed, but the guards ignored him. He quit screaming after a while and when the guards checked on him, he was found dead, with finger marks around his neck.
As far back at 1946, guards were reporting strange happening such as creepy sobbing, unexplained cold spots, and weird smells at The Rock. Some have even reported seeing apparitions. Because of all these reports, Alcatraz has become a favorite haunt (forgive the pun) of ghost hunters, psychics, and curiosity seekers.