Alcatraz Island looms large just over 1 mile off the coast of San Francisco. The island was the home of Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary from 1934-1963, but had roots as a military prison all the way back to the 1860s and its new cellhouse construction in 1910-1912.
The Rock, as it has affectionately been known, was the home to some of the most notorious criminals in American history, including Al Capone, Whitey Bulger and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. It was also quite well known as a nearly inescapable fortress.
Perhaps the most famous of those escape attempts took place on May 2, 1946 and led to the infamous Battle of Alcatraz. Two corrections officers and three prisoners were killed in the aftermath of the failed escape, which ended with a siege on May 4, 1946.
Today, The Rock is a major tourist attraction and a National Park offering tours of portions of the island. We look back on some iconic images of Alcatraz on the anniversary of the end of the Battle of Alcatraz.
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareEmirates Team Zew Zealand races ahead of Oracle Team USA as they pass in front of Alcatraz Island and the San Francisco skyline during race 5 of the America's Cup Finals on September 10, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
SharePedestrians cross Hyde Street in front of Alcatraz Island on October 2, 2013 in San Francisco, California. Alcatraz Island and all federal museums and parks across the nation are closed for a second day due to the partial government shutdown. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
Sharecirca 1890: A view over San Francisco, California, of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay. (Photo by Henry Guttmann Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareOracle Team USA passes in front of Alcatraz Island, partially obscured by fog, during practice for race 3 of the America's Cup finals against Emirates team New Zealand on September 8, 2013 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTwo U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornets fly over Alcatraz Island on October 7, 2010 in San Francisco, California. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels started practice ahead of Fleet Week which begins Saturday with the parade of ships and an air show. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA boat passes Alcatraz Island on April 7, 2011 in San Francisco, United States. If the federal budget impasse cannot be resolved by the Friday deadline, many national parks and monument visitor centers will face closure including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Muir Woods, Independence Hall, Alcatraz Island, and the Washington Monument. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists walk through the main cell block at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareVisitors tour the mail cell block of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island July 2, 2003 in the San Francisco Bay, California. The National Park Service, which manages Alcatraz as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, has started selling boxed chunks of concrete rubble for $4.95 which were left over from a 7.7 million dollar retrofit of a decaying cell block and guards quarters. Park staff came up with the idea as a cost-effective alternative to ferrying tons of rubble off Alcatraz and to bring in an extra $20,000 to $40,000 a year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA visitor looks at a map of Alcatraz Island on October 17, 2013 in San Francisco, California. Alcatraz Island reopened to the public after President Barack Obama signed a bipartisan bill that was passed by the House and the Senate to reopen the government and raise the debt limit. The bill will fund the government until January 15, 2014 and raise the debt ceiling until February 7, 2014. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareReporters view an exhibit of photographs documenting the last day of Alcatraz federal penitentiary on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists walk by a control room in the administration building at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA view of the San Francisco skyline and former warden's house if seen from the former chapel at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA view of a room in the former hospital at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists walk by the administration building at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists walk by the administration building at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareNational Park Service ranger Roger Goldberg walks through the main cell block at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA view of a cell at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists walk through the main cell block at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA tourist walks through the main cell block at Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA National Park Service Ranger looks at a map of Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareTourists take photos of Alcatraz Island while riding a ferry on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA flag flies on a ferry as it approcahes Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA National Park Service Ranger looks on at the entrance to Alcatraz Island on March 21, 2013 in San Francisco, California. The National Park Service marked the 50th anniversary of the closure of the notorius Alcatraz federal penitentiary with an exhibit of newly discovered photos by Los Angeles freelance photographer Leigh Wiener of the prison's final day in 1963. Alcatraz was first a fort and later became an Army disciplinary barracks before being taken over by the Bureau of Prisons in 1934. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet passes over Alcatraz Prison during a practice performance ahead of the Fleet Week air show October 9, 2009 in San Francisco, California. San Francisco kicks off its annual Fleet Week celebration October 10 with the parade of ships and an air show featuring the Blue Angels. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
SharePlanes for Team Oracle perform over Alcatraz Island during a practice session for San Francisco Fleet Week October 5, 2007 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareThe U.S. Navy's Blue Angels fly over Alcatraz Prison during a practice session for San Francisco Fleet Week October 4, 2007 in San Francisco, California. The Blue Angels will perform two public shows this weekend to kick off Fleet Week in San Francisco. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareSwiss Team Alinghi headed by Ernesto Bertarelli races toward Alacataz Island against Oracle BMW Racing team headed by Larry Ellison during the Moet Cup in the San Francisco Bay on September 17, 2003 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareGolden Gate National Recreation Area worker Edwin Sera walks through the hospital of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island July 2, 2003 in the San Francisco Bay, California. The National Park Service, which manages Alcatraz as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, has started selling boxed chunks of concrete rubble for $4.95 which were left over from a 7.7 million dollar retrofit of a decaying cell block and guards quarters. Park staff came up with the idea as a cost-effective alternative to ferrying tons of rubble off Alcatraz and to bring in an extra $20,000 to $40,000 a year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareVisitors tour the mail cell block of the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island July 2, 2003 in the San Francisco Bay, California. The National Park Service, which manages Alcatraz as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, has started selling boxed chunks of concrete rubble for $4.95 which were left over from a 7.7 million dollar retrofit of a decaying cell block and guards quarters. Park staff came up with the idea as a cost-effective alternative to ferrying tons of rubble off Alcatraz and to bring in an extra $20,000 to $40,000 a year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA seagull flies over Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island July 2, 2003 in the San Francisco Bay, California. The park service, which manages Alcatraz as one of San Francisco's most popular tourist attractions, has started selling boxed chunks of concrete rubble for $4.95 which were left over from a 7.7 million dollar retrofit of a decaying cell block and guards quarters. Park staff came up with the idea as a cost-effective alternative to ferrying tons of rubble off Alcatraz and to bring in an extra $20,000 to $40,000 a year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareAlcatraz Prison looms in the backround as a surfer rides a wave near the Golden Gate Bridge in Fort Point, San Francisco on November 17, 2002. Surfers congregate daily to surf at Fort Point and battle the harsh and dangerous conditions. (Photo by Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareWith Alcatraz in the background, a cable car makes it's way up Hyde Street October 1, 2001 in San Francisco. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, tourism has declined due to the lack of travel by airplane. (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareWith Alcatraz in the background, a woman stands alone at a usually busy vista point on Pier 39 October 1, 2001 in San Francisco. In the wake of the terrorist attacks, tourism has declined due to the lack of travel by airplane. (Photo By Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareLewis Moody of England visits Alcatraz near San Francisco during the England Tour to the USA and Canada. Mandatory Credit: Mike Hewitt /Allsport
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareJed Jacobsohn/ALLSPORT
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA tram reaches the top of Hyde Street Hill in San Francisco, California, with Alcatraz Island in the background. (Photo by Keystone Features/Getty Images)
Alcatraz Island – San Francisco’s Iconic Landmark
ShareA Native American man stands on the roof of a prison complex building during the siege of Alcatraz Island by a group of Native Americans, San Francisco, California, 1970. The Native Americans occupied the island, which at that time was out of service as a Federal Prison, for a number of months. The Native Americans believed the land was rightfully theirs in accordance with a treaty signed by Abraham Lincoln granting them the right to reclaim any land that was originally theirs but has been abandoned by the U.S. government. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
