The Notorious Alcatraz Prison
Alcatraz, often referred to as “The Rock,” is a small island located in the San Francisco Bay. It served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of America’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Known for its high security and seemingly inescapable isolation, Alcatraz was considered the ultimate prison. However, in June 1962, it became the site of one of the most famous prison escapes in history.
The Inmates
The escape involved three inmates: Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin. Frank Morris was known for his intelligence and had a history of prison escapes. The Anglin brothers, John and Clarence, were also seasoned criminals with a background in bank robbery. The trio, along with another inmate, Allen West, who ultimately did not escape, devised a meticulous plan to break free from the fortress-like prison.
The Plan
The escape plan was elaborate and required months of preparation. The inmates began by widening the ventilation ducts in their cells, using stolen spoons and makeshift tools to chip away at the concrete walls. They covered the noise with accordion music played by one of the prisoners. The men created dummy heads from soap, toilet paper, and real human hair, placing them in their beds to fool the guards during nightly headcounts.
The Escape
On the night of June 11, 1962, Morris and the Anglin brothers made their move. They crawled through the enlarged ventilation ducts to reach a utility corridor behind their cells. From there, they climbed to the roof and descended 50 feet to the ground using a makeshift raft constructed from over 50 stolen raincoats. They paddled away into the cold, treacherous waters of the San Francisco Bay, disappearing into the night.
The Aftermath
The next morning, the prison guards discovered the escape during a routine headcount. A massive manhunt ensued, involving the FBI, Coast Guard, and local law enforcement. Despite extensive searches, no trace of the men was found. Pieces of their raft and personal belongings were later discovered on nearby Angel Island and other areas around the bay, but the escapees themselves were never seen again.
Theories and Speculation
The fate of Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers remains one of the greatest mysteries in American criminal history. Some believe they drowned in the bay’s frigid waters, while others speculate they successfully made it to freedom. Over the years, various sightings and rumors have surfaced, suggesting that the men might have survived. In 2013, a letter allegedly written by John Anglin surfaced, claiming that all three had survived, but its authenticity remains unverified.
Legacy
The escape from Alcatraz has become a legendary tale, inspiring books, documentaries, and the 1979 film “Escape from Alcatraz” starring Clint Eastwood. The story highlights the human spirit’s unyielding desire for freedom and has cemented Alcatraz’s place in popular culture as the ultimate symbol of incarceration and escape.