The History Of Alcatraz
Although Alcatraz sits in the middle of San Francisco Bay, only a little over a mile from the city, the island seemed as distant as if it were a thousand miles out to sea. The island seems uninviting and because of its unappeal, it played an important role in the history of California. The island had a number of uses. Alcatraz was the site of a powerful fortress, a military prison and a federal prison. The island is surrounded by treacherous cross currents and five-knot tides with a deadly undertow. The water temperature around Alcatraz averages fifty-four degrees which is frigid enough to induce hypothermia. In addition to the freezing temperature, there are occasional sharks and whirlpools strong enough to drown a man. Although not appealing to a vacationer, the geography of the area was perfect for a prison as it made escape nearly impossible (Redden, 165). The California gold rush spurred the building of a lighthouse on the island. Wealth from gold increased San Francisco's ship traffic and population and a guiding light was needed to take the ships safely through the bay. In 1850, the military used the island as a defense. Places for cannons and gun placements were carved out of the land slo
During these times especially, death looked attractive to inmates due to the daily infliction of psychological torture. Visitors and prisoners could talk through a telephone and all conversations were monitored (Redden, 173). The cell was always in complete darkness. The daily misery made death look attractive to some inmates. All inmate visitors were restricted to the spouse, blood relative, or the inmate's attorney. " There was no light and the cell was windowless with solid doors and steel walls. After washing, dressing and tidying their cells, they were counted then marched to a twenty-minute breakfast. After a shower the new inmate was given his prison fatigues and then walked to his prison cell. The dining hall was one of the most dangerous areas of the prison. "With a crash, the steel gate slammed shut with a sound that seemed to bring finality to everything that life had to offer. Upon entering the prison doors, a doctor awaited the incoming inmate.
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