Quote from Angela on June 2, 2021, 5:07 pm

We are certain this offshore federal abandoned prison, located on Alcatraz Island off the San Franciscan coast, needs no introduction.

The site was originally established in 1934, developed with military and federal prison facilities as well as a lighthouse structure, and was in operation until 1963.

Tales of notable famous inmates who were incarcerated here are many, by far the most famous being mafia boss Al Capone who served four and a half years here for tax evasion. 

If you would like to read about the alleged hauntings that menaced Al Capone please see our post linked below.

https://boiseghost.org/resources/forum/topic/al-capone-haunted-by-ghosts-chicago-paranormal-historical-haunting-america/

During the history of Alcatraz there were 36 recorded escape attempts, only one was successful.

The first attempt being made by Joseph Bowers in 1936, he climbed a tower under the guise of 'feeding some seagulls' and when the guard looked away he jumped the fence, sadly to his death on the rocks seventy feet below.

The only successful escape was in 1962 when life long criminal Frank Lee Morris did break an escape, along with his brothers John and Clarence, they were never seen again. It is said Morris constructed 'fake heads' to mimic their attendance, dug a tunnel and had a life raft waiting for them.

There were rumours that Charleston born inmate and Harlem mob boss Ellsworth "Bumpy" Johnson secretly arranged for the three men to be 'picked up on the outside' via boat which speedily transported them to the San Franciscan bay, however this was never confirmed.

Clarence Carnes aka The Chocktaw Kid was the youngest inmate ever sentenced here. He failed an attempted escape with five other inmates which became known as the 1946 'The Bloody Battle of Alcatraz' when it horrifically turned into an armed confrontation. Two inmates and three staff members died as a result and Clarence was later tried for their murders.

Bank robber Joseph Paul Cretzer from Minnesota attempted escape three times and was involved in the Bloody Battle mentioned above. He became trapped in the crossfire and records are unclear as to whether he was killed or voluntarily committed suicide. Arkansas born Sam Shockley was also caught up in the armed resistance, found guilty and was sent to the San Quentin gas chambers two years later.

Iowa native turned bankrobber Thomas R Limerick attempted escape in 1938 when he reached the rooftops and was shot down by officer machine guns.

British born bank robber James C. Lucas not only attempted escape but was the inmate who stabbed Al Capone literally in the back with shears whilst in the prison barber shop. Lucas was also shot down during the bloody armed escape battle.

Missouri born kidnapper Arthur Baker, aka 'the Doc' attempted escape with three other inmates. They made it to the beach where they set about constructing an escape raft from bits of wood but were soon discovered and gunned down.

Kentucky born Bernard Coy planned to steal ammunition from the gun rooms here. However, the rooms door became jammed. His lifeless body was discovered later in a corridor. He had been shot.

Here are some other infamous inmates who spent time at Alcatraz:

Porto Rican born Rafael Miranda, political activist raided the United States Capitol Building armed with automatic pistols and fired thirty shots. He served six years at this facility.

Mafia man Mickey Cohen who worked for various crimelords and set up many gambling operations became paralysed here when another inmate severely beat him with a pipe. However, Mickey was the only inmate ever to be 'bailed out' of Alcatraz.

Harvey Daley, known as 'the Dean of American Bank Robbers' was actually one of the most successful bank robbers ever known walking away with over $1 million during the 1920s. Daley spent time here and was known as one the best behaved inmates and kept a low profile.

Canadian murderer Alvin "Creepy" Karpis, also the leader of the notorious Barker Karpis criminal gang was the longest serving prisoner who remained here until just before the facility closed down.

Michigan born burglar Basil Banghard 'The Owl' who was later proven innocent of the kidnap of Jake 'the barber' Factor spent most of his life at Alcatraz and actually helped alot in the kitchens.

We are pretty sure this list could go on forever and hope you enjoyed our glimpse into Alcatraz.

Do you know anyone who has visited the shores of Alcatraz? We would love to hear your stories.