Description

Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy: Livemint

Context:

The US President recently instructed his administration to reconstruct and expand Alcatraz, the notorious prison that has remained closed for over 60 years on a secluded California island near San Francisco.

About Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz Island, commonly referred to as 'The Rock,' is a rugged island situated in San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, United States.
It encompasses an area of 22 acres (9 hectares).

Historical Significance

Location	San Francisco Bay, off the coast of California, USA
Nickname	"The Rock"
Area	22 acres (9 hectares)
Early History	Sold in 1849 to the U.S. government
Lighthouse	Site of California’s first lighthouse (1854)
Military Use	- 1859: First permanent army troops stationed - 1861: Became a military prison
Official Naming	1907: Named Pacific Branch of the U.S. Military Prison
Army Departure	Army left in 1933
Federal Prison	- Operated from 1934 to 1963 - Held dangerous criminals - Designed for 330 convicts; typically held around 260 prisoners
Cell Size	Each cell measured about 10 feet by 4.5 feet (3 meters by 1.5 meters)
Escape Attempts	Considered inescapable; a few inmates escaped but survival unlikely due to strong currents
Closure	Closed in March 1963 due to high maintenance costs
Later Use	Became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972
Current Status	Open to the public as a popular tourist destination