Alcatraz Island's Evolution from Military Fort to Notorious Prison
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, has a storied history that dates back to the aftermath of the Mexican-American War. Initially designated as a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore in 1850, Alcatraz was developed into a fortified military installation by 1854. Its strategic location made it a key defensive position during the Civil War, serving as a deterrent against Confederate sympathizers and as a prison for those accused of treason. Over time, Alcatraz transitioned from a military fort to a federal prison, officially opening as such in 1934. It became known for housing some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George 'Machine Gun' Kelly. The prison's reputation for inescapability was cemented by the infamous 1962 escape attempt by Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers, which remains a subject of intrigue and speculation. 
