October 12, 1933
The United States Army Disciplinary Barracks on Alcatraz Island was acquired by the United States Department of Justice and converted into a federal prison.
San Francisco, United States | United States Department of Justice
On October 12, 1933, the United States Department of Justice acquired the United States Army Disciplinary Barracks on Alcatraz Island, converting it into a federal penitentiary. This event marked a transition in the island’s purpose, as it moved from being a military prison to one of the most infamous federal penitentiaries in American history.
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, had housed military prisoners since the 1850s. The site was initially developed as a military fortress and began operating as the Pacific’s major military prison by the late 19th century. The island’s isolated location, strong currents, and cold waters made it an ideal site for a secure detention facility.
By the early 1930s, the rise of organized crime in the United States led to increased demand for a high-security federal prison capable of holding the most dangerous criminals. Under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Department of Justice sought to expand its prison system, and Alcatraz was identified as an ideal candidate due to its pre-existing infrastructure and strategic location.
On the acquisition date, the Department of Justice began the process of transforming the military installations into a modern federal penitentiary. The conversion involved significant renovations, including upgrading security measures, reinforcing cells, and installing additional guard houses and watchtowers to prevent escapes.
The establishment of Alcatraz as a federal prison represented a shift in the United States’ approach to handling high-risk criminals during a period when modern law enforcement practices were evolving. It became renowned for housing some of America’s most notorious criminals, such as Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly.
The prison operated until 1963 and was viewed as a symbol of the federal government’s commitment to maintaining law and order during an era of increasing criminal activity. Today, Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into its complex history as a military and federal penitentiary.
The conversion of Alcatraz into a federal prison had long-standing impacts on the U.S. penal system. It set a precedent for the development and security protocols of maximum-security prisons across the country. The island’s history and notoriety continue to be a topic of cultural and historical interest, influencing both criminal justice policy and popular media.
Source: en.wikipedia.org