From 1934 to 1963, the most high-profile, dangerous criminals in America went to one place – Alcatraz.
A high security prison built on an island off the coast of San Francisco, “the Rock’s” hyper-vigilant security systems and improbable escapes became the stuff of legend. Infamous gangster Al Capone, famous for paying off prison guards, told the warden that “It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked.”
Due to outrageous running and upkeep costs (all supplies had to be ferried to the island), ‘the Rock’ emptied its cells after 29 years, but not before housing and breaking America’s most wanted criminals.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Inside Elon Musk’s War on Washington
- Meet the 2025 Women of the Year
- The Harsh Truth About Disability Inclusion
- Why Do More Young Adults Have Cancer?
- Colman Domingo Leads With Radical Love
- How to Get Better at Doing Things Alone
- Cecily Strong on Goober the Clown
- Column: The Rise of America’s Broligarchy
Contact us at letters@time.com