What Replaced Alcatraz?
The direct replacement for Alcatraz prison was the United States Penitentiary (USP) Marion, located in Marion, Illinois. Built and opened in 1963, USP Marion was designed to replace the maximum-security federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco, which closed its doors the same year. This transition marked a significant shift in the philosophy of federal corrections, moving away from the logistical challenges and high maintenance costs associated with an island prison to a more modern, land-based facility.
The Need for a Replacement
The decision to close Alcatraz was primarily driven by cost-effectiveness. The island location presented numerous hurdles, including high costs for transportation, maintenance, and daily operations. The federal government found it more economical to construct a new, purpose-built facility than to continue maintaining the aging infrastructure of Alcatraz. This practical approach led to the development of USP Marion, intended from its inception to be a more efficient and modern maximum-security institution.
The Characteristics of USP Marion
USP Marion was designed to house some of the most dangerous and disruptive inmates within the federal prison system. Unlike the traditional cell block setup of Alcatraz, Marion incorporated a more centralized and controlled environment. It was initially envisioned as a model institution, meant to embody the latest thinking in security and corrections. Over the years, USP Marion gained a reputation for strict management and isolation, evolving into a “supermax” facility before the term was officially adopted. The design focused on minimizing inmate interaction and enhancing surveillance.
The Evolution to Supermax and ADX Florence
While USP Marion initially served as the direct replacement for Alcatraz, its own role evolved over time. It was at Marion, during the 1980s, that a “control unit” was established for the most disruptive inmates, marking a critical step toward what would become the modern supermax model. Eventually, the need for a more specialized and secure facility led to the creation of United States Penitentiary Administrative Maximum Facility (ADX) Florence in Colorado. ADX Florence, opened in 1994, is now the sole federal supermax facility in the US. While Marion replaced Alcatraz initially, ADX Florence, now often referred to as the “Alcatraz of the Rockies”, is the facility that houses the most dangerous inmates.
Why ADX Florence is Different
ADX Florence represents the pinnacle of prison security, built to be virtually escape-proof. Inmates spend 23 hours a day in solitary confinement with limited contact with other people. Its location in the remote Colorado desert, combined with advanced technological security and operational protocols, makes it one of the most secure prisons in the world. No inmate has ever escaped ADX Florence since it opened.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions providing further details about Alcatraz, its replacement, and related topics:
1. Why was Alcatraz closed?
Alcatraz closed because the federal government found it more cost-effective to build a new facility than to continue maintaining the aging and costly island prison. The logistical challenges and high maintenance expenses made it unsustainable in the long term.
2. Where did the prisoners go when Alcatraz closed?
When Alcatraz closed, inmates were transported to several federal penitentiaries, including facilities in Leavenworth, Kansas; McNeill Island, Washington; Lewisburg, Pennsylvania; and Atlanta, Georgia. The inmates were taken to an undisclosed airport by bus then transferred to a U.S. Immigration Service plane.
3. How many Supermax prisons are there in the U.S.?
There is only one federal supermax prison in the United States: the ADX Florence in Colorado. While there are other maximum-security prisons, ADX Florence is the only one designed and operated to the administrative maximum security standard.
4. Was Al Capone imprisoned at Alcatraz?
Yes, Al Capone was imprisoned at Alcatraz, although he spent time at other federal penitentiaries including the U.S. Penitentiary in Atlanta. His health significantly deteriorated while at Alcatraz due to paresis (a late stage of syphilis).
5. Who was the most famous prisoner at Alcatraz?
The most famous prisoner at Alcatraz was likely Robert Stroud, known as the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” His life and incarceration were later adapted into a well-known film.
6. Are any of the Alcatraz inmates still alive?
Yes, some former Alcatraz inmates are still alive, though their numbers are dwindling due to the passage of time. Notably, convicted murderer and mafia boss James “Whitey” Bulger was a former Alcatraz inmate before his death.
7. Has anyone ever escaped from a Supermax prison?
No one has ever escaped from ADX Florence, which is considered the most secure prison in the United States. It is often called the “Alcatraz of the Rockies” because of its impenetrable reputation.
8. What is the daily life like for inmates in Supermax prisons?
Inmates at supermax prisons are typically kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours per day. They have limited interaction with staff and other inmates, with limited opportunities for recreation, often only one hour per day.
9. What is the most secure prison in the world?
ADX Florence in Colorado is widely considered the most secure prison in the world due to its high-tech security systems, operational procedures, and remote location.
10. Who was “Wolf” at Alcatraz?
“Wolf” was an inmate at Alcatraz, incarcerated for physical assault, who is mentioned in some accounts of prison life. In one notable incident, he attacked a fellow inmate with a knife in the yard, leading to his and the inmate he attacked being placed in the hole.
11. What does “B-Block” mean in prison?
“B-Block” generally refers to a cell block for inmates who require high-level protection due to their vulnerability. These inmates are often women, mentally or physically disabled individuals, transgender inmates, or elderly prisoners.
12. Did Machine Gun Kelly live in Alcatraz?
Yes, Machine Gun Kelly was an inmate at Alcatraz for 17 years, during which he continued to boast about his past exploits to fellow prisoners. He was later transferred back to Leavenworth Penitentiary.
13. What is the significance of the “Birdman of Alcatraz”?
The “Birdman of Alcatraz,” Robert Stroud, became famous for his studies of birds while imprisoned. Though the story is largely romanticized, it highlighted the harsh conditions within the prison.
14. Is Alcatraz open to visitors?
Yes, Alcatraz Island and the former prison are open to the public for tours. The island became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1972 and has become a major tourist destination.
15. What was the typical food at Alcatraz?
A typical supper at Alcatraz consisted of soup, salad or vegetable, starches, a meat entree, and dessert (such as pie, cake, or ice cream).