Why America is still obsessed with Alcatraz
Alcatraz, once America's most notorious federal penitentiary, continues to captivate the public's imagination even decades after its closure. The prison, which housed infamous criminals, has transformed into a symbol of myth and legend. Discussions about potentially reopening it as a prison raise questions about America's enduring fascination with this historic site.
- ▪Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963.
- ▪The prison is known for its notorious inmates, including Al Capone and the Birdman of Alcatraz.
- ▪Despite its closure, Alcatraz has remained a popular tourist attraction and cultural symbol.
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Lifestyle Why America is still obsessed with Alcatraz By Brad Coleman Published May 26, 2026, 3:53 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Alcatraz became famous as a prison. It stayed famous as a myth. And now, more than 60 years after the last inmate left, that myth is powerful enough that President Donald Trump wants to turn it back into a prison. For 29 years, from 1934 to 1963, Alcatraz served as America’s most notorious federal penitentiary. Built on 22 acres of rock in the middle of San Francisco Bay, it was designed for the men who could not be held anywhere else: Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Robert Stroud — the so-called “Birdman of Alcatraz” — and later Whitey Bulger. Part of the cruelty was the view.
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