Was Al Capone in Alcatraz? Unveiling the Mobster’s Time on “The Rock”
Yes, Alphonse “Al” Capone was indeed incarcerated at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, marking a significant chapter in the infamous gangster’s life. However, his stay on “The Rock” was not his entire prison sentence, nor was it the end of his legal troubles. Capone’s time at Alcatraz is often shrouded in myth and misconception, and this article aims to clarify the timeline, conditions, and events surrounding his Alcatraz experience. He served a total of 4 ½ years at Alcatraz. This was a period of marked physical and mental decline for the notorious mob boss.
Capone’s Journey to Alcatraz
Al Capone’s legal woes began much earlier than his Alcatraz sentence. Initially, he faced charges for contempt of court, which resulted in a six-month sentence to be served concurrently. While awaiting the outcome of his appeals, Capone was confined to the Cook County Jail. Following the denial of his appeals, he was transferred to the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta. From Atlanta, Capone was moved to Alcatraz, which was a maximum-security prison known for housing the most dangerous and difficult-to-manage criminals.
The Alcatraz Years
Al Capone arrived at Alcatraz on January 18, 1934, and the harsh reality of prison life quickly began to take a toll. The infamous mobster found himself stripped of his power and status, subject to the strict rules and regulations of the facility. His time at Alcatraz was marked by a distinct lack of privilege. Capone was not allowed to continue his criminal enterprises or engage with the outside world as he once did.
Life Within the Walls
Alcatraz was designed to break down its inmates, and Capone was no exception. He experienced firsthand the isolating and dehumanizing conditions of the prison. He did not have the power and influence he possessed on the streets. One notable incident during his stay was a violent altercation where he was stabbed with a pair of scissors. This attack further underscored the dangerous environment he was forced to navigate.
Capone’s physical and mental state rapidly deteriorated. He was already suffering from the debilitating effects of paresis, a late-stage symptom of untreated syphilis. His brain was progressively affected, leading to significant cognitive decline. This made his time at Alcatraz even more challenging.
Transfer and Departure
After serving 4 ½ years at Alcatraz, Al Capone was deemed no longer suited for the facility due to his declining health. He left Alcatraz on January 6, 1939 and was subsequently transferred to Terminal Island Prison in Southern California to serve the remainder of his sentence.
His deteriorating condition continued after his release from prison. His disease worsened, making it difficult for him to live outside prison. He was eventually sent to a mental hospital in Baltimore. After this, he retired to his Florida estate. Capone’s life outside prison was hard and ultimately led to his death at the age of 48 from cardiac arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Al Capone and his time at Alcatraz, offering a deeper look into the life of the notorious mobster:
1. How long was Al Capone incarcerated at Alcatraz?
Al Capone spent a total of 4 ½ years at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary.
2. What was the primary reason for Capone’s transfer to Alcatraz?
Capone was moved to Alcatraz because it was a maximum-security prison designed for inmates considered extremely difficult to manage. His prior offenses and association with organized crime made him an ideal candidate for Alcatraz.
3. What were the conditions of Al Capone’s life at Alcatraz?
Capone’s life at Alcatraz was characterized by a lack of privileges, strict rules, and harsh conditions. He experienced physical altercations and his health rapidly deteriorated. He was treated like any other inmate, losing the power and prestige he had enjoyed in the outside world.
4. Did Al Capone continue his criminal activities while at Alcatraz?
No, Capone did not continue his criminal activities while at Alcatraz. The prison’s strict environment was specifically designed to prevent such activities and to break down the criminal influence of its inmates.
5. Was Al Capone still in contact with his old gang while incarcerated?
No, Capone did not maintain contact with his old gang while incarcerated at Alcatraz. Communication with the outside world was severely restricted.
6. Did Capone create a new gang while at Alcatraz?
No, Capone did not form a new gang while at Alcatraz. The prison environment was meticulously controlled to prevent such formations.
7. What significant incident happened to Capone while at Alcatraz?
Capone was stabbed with a pair of scissors during a prison fight. This incident demonstrates the harsh and dangerous environment he experienced at Alcatraz.
8. What disease did Al Capone suffer from during his time at Alcatraz?
Capone suffered from paresis, a late-stage manifestation of untreated syphilis. This disease significantly impacted his mental and physical health.
9. Where was Al Capone sent after his time at Alcatraz?
After leaving Alcatraz, Capone was transferred to Terminal Island Prison in Southern California to complete his sentence.
10. When was Alcatraz closed as a prison?
Alcatraz officially closed as a federal penitentiary on March 21, 1963.
11. Why did Alcatraz close?
Alcatraz was closed because the prison was too expensive to maintain. It was not due to escape attempts as many might believe. The decision was made long before the infamous disappearance of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers.
12. What is Alcatraz used for today?
Alcatraz is now a national park and popular tourist attraction. It operates as a museum dedicated to its history as a federal penitentiary.
13. What was Al Capone’s most famous nickname?
Al Capone’s most famous nickname was “Scarface”, although he reportedly disliked it.
14. What was a typical meal like at Alcatraz?
A typical supper at Alcatraz included soup, a green salad or vegetable, starches, a meat entree, and dessert such as pie or cake.
15. How old was Al Capone when he died?
Al Capone died at the age of 48 on January 25, 1947, from cardiac arrest due to complications from syphilis.