Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Inside Alcatraz
The maximum-security prison on Alcatraz,
dubbed “The Rock” by the US Army, housed
an average of 264 of the country's most
incorrigible criminals, who were transferred
here for disobedience while serving time
in prisons elsewhere in the US. The strict
discipline at Alcatraz was enforced by the
threat of a stint in the isolation cells and by
loss of privileges, including the chance at
special jobs, time for recreation, use of the
prison library, and visitation rights.
D Block
In the solitary confinement cells of D
Block, prisoners had to endure hours
of unrelieved boredom.
Broadway
The corridor that
separates C and B
blocks was nicknamed
by prisoners after New
York City's busiest
thoroughfare.
Control Room
Reinforced to
withstand a siege, this
controlled the 24-hour
electric security system.
Main cell house
entrance
KEY
1
Warden's office
2
Visiting area
3
Library from which prisoners
could order “approved” books
4
Recreation yard
5
Kitchen
6
Hospital above dining room
7
Food preparation and
store rooms
8
Barber shop
Inside a Cell
Prisoners spent between
16 and 23 hours every
day alone in stark cells,
equipped with only a
toilet and bunk. Many
cells measured 5 ft by
9 ft (1.5 m by 2.7 m).
