Overview

Alcatraz operated as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963 and held some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Birdman Stroud, in conditions designed to make normal social life impossible. Rangers and night staff have reported cell doors slamming when the facility is locked down, unexplained sounds in the utility corridor and a persistent cold spot in Cell Block D near solitary confinement that registers below ambient temperature. The island has a longer history as a military prison going back to the Civil War.

Attributed paranormal accounts

These are reported experiences and local accounts, not independently verified events.

Visitors and staff have reported cell doors slamming, unexplained footsteps and voices, and persistent cold spots, particularly in Cell Block D near the solitary confinement cells.

History & background

Alcatraz served as a federal penitentiary from 1934 to 1963, though the island had previously been used as a military fort and prison since the 1850s. Today it is one of San Francisco's most visited historic landmarks.

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