Alcatraz History

Alcatraz in 1958. Just a few years later, Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers would slip into these very waters, never to be seen again...

📸: Peter Harris | AH Collection

Looking out from the top tier of D-Block today. Even with the passage of time, the view from these bars carries a heavy, unmistakable weight.

📸: AH

Shadows and steel. A stark look at a typical view from the upper tier of D-Block.

📸: AH

A 1960s-era view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the entrance to the Recreation Yard.

📸: AH | SFPL

Honoring Harold P. Stites and all those who gave their lives in the line of duty. May you have a restful and meaningful Memorial Day.

During the years Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary operated as a federal prison (1934–1963), three correctional officers were killed in connection with inmate violence and escape attempts.

Royal C. Cline - Killed on May 23, 1938, during an escape attempt in the prison industries building.

Harold P. Stites - Killed during the 1946 “Battle of Alcatraz” uprising and escape attempt.

William A. Miller - Mortally wounded during the same 1946 battle after hiding a key that prevented the inmates from escaping the island.

The 1946 event, commonly called the Battle of Alcatraz, was the deadliest incident in the prison’s history. Besides the two officers killed, numerous guards were wounded and several inmates also died.

A rare glimpse into the daily routine at Alcatraz. Here, inmates gather in the recreation yard after wrapping up their shift at the prison industries.

Monday through Friday, this yard served as a strict transit hub. Inmates working the shops passed through here four times a day, including this midday trek back to the main cellhouse for lunch, all under the watchful eyes of guards.

📸: AH | CSA

The Rock in the Mist: A striking 1958 press photograph captures a somber guard on a patrol boat, looking back at Alcatraz Island as it disappears under a heavy blanket of San Francisco fog. This shot was taken in October of 1958 during the intense, days-long manhunt for desperate escapee Aaron Burgett.

📸: AH | Phillip Moss for UPI

A modern photo of A-Block from the spiral staircase, taken on one of the last roll of films (using Kodak Panatomic-X) I shot in the early 2000s.

📸: AH

A photograph of the Alcatraz cellhouse basement and shower area, following its restoration in 2007.

📸: AH

Another modern view of the Alcatraz Clothing Issue, located in the basement Shower Room area.

📸: AH