Alcatraz

In 1850 Alcatraz was declared a military reservation by President Millard Fillmore, and by 1859 troops were permanently garrisoned at the post on Alcatraces for the defense of the Bay Area.

To learn more about the military history of Alcatraz, from 1850 to 1934. please visit the Post on Alcatraces and Fortress Alcatraz. For more in depth information, visit the timeline of the U.S. Army's military period.

Bureau of Prisons Period - U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz - 1934-1963

Alcatraz is most famous for the 29 years it operated as a U.S. penitentiary. During this complex period, over 1500 people were incarcerated on the island. Learn how Alcatraz evolved from an army post that contained an army prison into U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz.

Indians of All Tribes Occupation - 1969-1971

In 1964, and again in 1969-1971, American Indian activists laid claim to Alcatraz Island. Their 19-month occupation would cause significant changes in federal policy and galvanize the Red Power movement. Learn more about the historic occupation by Indians of All Tribes, which marked its 50th anniversary in 2019.

Paranormal Claims

• Cold drafts are felt in sealed areas with no visible source of airflow.
• A prisoner once claimed a glowing-eyed creature attacked him in Cell 14D before he died.
• Cell 14D is believed to be highly active with shadow figures and sudden cold spots.
• Apparitions have been seen in Cell Block D, especially near solitary confinement cells.
• From within the prison walls, sobbing has been heard.
• A sudden cold wind often follows the sound of crying.
• Crying and moaning have been reported in Cell Block C.
• Footsteps are heard in empty corridors with no one present.
• Voices and whispers echo through the halls late at night.
• The utility corridor is said to have paranormal activity linked to inmates Theodore Cole Coy, Bernard Coy Cretzer, and Joseph Cretzer Hubbard.
• Visitors feel unseen presences following them through the underground tunnels.
• The empty shower room was the source of banjo music, as reported by a park ranger.
• Voices and laughter have been heard inside the shower area when no one is there.
• People say they feel touched or brushed by unseen hands in the shower room.
• Cell doors have been heard slamming shut on their own.
• Dark figures have been seen moving through the corridors at night.
• Throughout the prison, inmates report an overwhelming feeling of being watched.
• Sudden temperature drops occur in specific locations without explanation.

FIND OUT MORE ON THE MAIN PANICd.com