Most Notorious Criminals of Alcatraz
Alcatraz, also known as “The Rock,” was one of the most infamous maximum-security federal prisons in the United States.
Situated on an island in San Francisco Bay, it operated from 1934 to 1963. Its reputation for being virtually escape-proof made it the ideal place to house the most dangerous criminals of the time.
Known for its tough conditions and isolation, Alcatraz was indeed home to some of the most hardened and notorious criminals in American history.
Though challenged by a few daring escapes, Alcatraz’s reputation as an inescapable fortress solidified its place in popular culture and continues to fascinate people today. In fact, more than 1.2 million tourists visit Alcatraz annually.
This article highlights a few of the infamous criminals who were incarcerated at Alcatraz, enduring its strict rules and inescapable walls.
Alcatraz’s 8 most notorious residents
Below are a few of the most well-known and high-risk inmates who served time at Alcatraz:
1. Al Capone (“Scarface”)
Prisoner Number: AZ-85
Time at Alcatraz: 1934-1939
Al Capone, the infamous Chicago mob boss, was involved in illegal operations like bootlegging, gambling, and prostitution.
His empire was built on violence and intimidation, and he was suspected of multiple murders.
Despite his criminal activities, Capone was also known for his charity work, leading some to see him as a modern-day Robin Hood.
In 1931, he was finally convicted for tax evasion, which led to his imprisonment at Alcatraz.
His time on “The Rock” was marked by mental and physical decline, and he eventually was released due to his deteriorating health.
2. George “Machine Gun” Kelly
Prisoner Number: AZ-117
Time at Alcatraz: 1934-1951
George Kelly, dubbed “Machine Gun,” gained notoriety as a gangster involved in kidnappings and armed robberies.
His most famous crime was the kidnapping of oil magnate Charles Urschel, which resulted in a large ransom.
Kelly’s violent actions earned him a place on the FBI’s most-wanted list.
Known for his use of the Thompson submachine gun, he boasted about escaping from prison but instead found himself sent to Alcatraz.
Despite his tough reputation, Kelly became a model prisoner and served his time quietly until he was transferred to another facility.
3. Robert Stroud, “The Birdman of Alcatraz”
Prisoner Number: AZ-564
Time at Alcatraz: 1942-1959
Robert Stroud earned his infamous nickname, “The Birdman of Alcatraz,” during his time in prison for murder.
Though he became interested in birds while incarcerated in Leavenworth, he was not allowed to keep them at Alcatraz.
Stroud’s violent behavior led to many years of solitary confinement, but he spent his time reading and studying law.
Stroud’s written works on canaries gained some recognition, but he remained a notorious figure for his violent past.
The Hollywood movie “Birdman of Alcatraz (1962)” later brought Stroud’s story to the big screen, but in reality, his life behind bars was marked by isolation and intense study rather than the more dramatic portrayal seen in the film.
4. Alvin Karpis
Prisoner Number: AZ-325
Time at Alcatraz: 1936-1959
Alvin Karpis was a key figure in the Depression-era Barker-Karpis gang, which was involved in bank robberies, kidnappings, and hijackings.
His notorious reputation as one of the last “Public Enemies” of the FBI led to his eventual capture by J. Edgar Hoover.
Karpis spent an incredible 26 years in prison, much of it at Alcatraz.
Known for his creepy smile, Karpis was feared by both staff and fellow inmates.
Despite his record of violent crime, he was also involved in a failed escape attempt that resulted in the death of a fellow gang member.
5. Roy G. Gardner
Prisoner Number: AZ-110
Time at Alcatraz: 1934-1938
Roy Gardner, known as the “Smiling Bandit” and the “Last Great American Train Robber,” had a long history of crime, especially involving train robberies.
He became notorious for repeatedly escaping custody, often by tunneling or holding guards hostage. His escape skills were legendary, making him a high-profile criminal.
Gardner was eventually transferred to Alcatraz after several daring escapes, where he found the conditions brutal.
Despite his tough persona, Gardner later wrote about his experiences in a biography, calling Alcatraz “Hellcatraz.”
His life ended tragically when he took his own life in 1940.
6. Frank Lee Morris
Prisoner Number: AZ-1441
Time at Alcatraz: 1960-1962
Frank Lee Morris was known for his exceptional escape skills.
He had spent most of his life in and out of prison, where he developed a reputation as a master escape artist.
His most famous escape came from Alcatraz in 1962, when he, along with the Anglin brothers, meticulously planned a breakout.
They used stolen tools to dig through their cells, constructed a raft from raincoats, and created dummy heads to deceive guards.
Though some believe they drowned in the Bay, others suspect they successfully escaped.
Morris’s escape remains one of the most mysterious and famous in prison history.
7. Arthur “Doc” Barker
Prisoner Number: AZ-268
Time at Alcatraz: 1935-1939
Arthur “Doc” Barker, a member of the notorious Barker-Karpis gang, was involved in a string of violent crimes, including bank robberies, kidnappings, and murders.
As part of his mother’s criminal enterprise, he was considered dangerous and ruthless.
After his capture, he was sent to Alcatraz, where he attempted an escape with two other prisoners.
Unfortunately, during the attempt, he was shot and killed by guards.
His death ended the possibility of a breakout and further solidified his reputation as a criminal willing to risk anything to escape captivity.
8. James “Whitey” Bulger
Prisoner Number: AZ-1428
Time at Alcatraz: 1959-1962
James “Whitey” Bulger was a notorious crime boss who ruled South Boston for decades, involved in armed robberies, racketeering, and numerous murders.
Bulger’s criminal career made him one of the FBI’s most-wanted fugitives, but his time at Alcatraz is less well-known.
Before being sent to Alcatraz, he had been part of a CIA experiment that included LSD testing.
While at Alcatraz, Bulger found his life less oppressive compared to his later years in prison.
James Bulger was captured in 2011, convicted, and sentenced to two life terms plus five years, and was killed in prison in 2018.
Other Notorious Inmates
While the above are some of the most frequently mentioned, other inmates also gained notoriety during their time at Alcatraz:
- Henri Young: Sent to Alcatraz for homicide, he attempted to escape and spent three years in solitary confinement. After being released from isolation, he killed his accomplice. His treatment in isolation and the subsequent killing led to investigations. He was eventually transferred to another prison and later disappeared after his release in 1972.
- Mickey Cohen: A famous gangster known as the “King of Los Angeles,” he was sent to Alcatraz for tax evasion. He was unique as the first and only inmate to be bailed out, though he returned briefly before the prison closed.
- Frank Bolt: He has the distinction of being the first official inmate of Alcatraz in 1934, transferred after being caught in a same-sex relationship while serving in the army. J. Edgar Hoover personally signed his admission.
- Morton Sobell: An electrical engineer convicted of espionage for feeding information to the Soviets during World War II. J. Edgar Hoover called his actions the “crime of the century.” He spent 12 years at Alcatraz.
- Clarence and John Anglin: These brothers were bank robbers who, along with Frank Lee Morris, made the famous escape in 1962 and were never seen again.
