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What is the silent rule in Alcatraz?

The common theme expressed by most inmates was the rule of silence which was discontinued in the late 1930's. In the earlier years of Alcatraz, inmates were not allowed to talk to one another except during meals and recreation periods.



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At the start of Alcatraz as a federal prison, convicts were forced to follow the silence rule, where they were not permitted to speak at all. Many prisoners considered this their worst punishment, and the silence rule was eventually abandoned.

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Punishment at Alcatraz was extreme. At the dungeon, prisoners were chained up standing in total darkness, often with no food and regular beatings. These punishments often lasted for as long as 14 days and by 1942, the dungeon was found to be unnecessarily cruel and closed.

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You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter, and medical attention. Anything else you get is a privilege. Showcase your love of the Rock with this Alcatraz Regulation #5 magnet.

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Loud talking, whistling, shouting, singing, and other unnecessary noises are not permitted.

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Frank Lucas Bolt Little has been documented about Alcatraz's LGBTQ+ prisoners, but gay men did play a role in the infamous prison. In fact, it was a queer man, Frank Lucas Bolt, who served as the prison's first official inmate.

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ALCATRAZ'S MOST DANGEROUS INMATES
  • Alvin Karpis.
  • Al Capone.
  • George 'Machine Gun' Kelly.
  • The Birdman of Alcatraz.
  • Roy Gardner.
  • Frank Lee Morris.


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Prison Guard Harold P. Stites was shot and killed (by friendly fire) during the rescue attempt while Prison Guard William A. Miller died of his injuries the following day in the cell. In addition to the deaths of those two, 14 other prison guards were wounded in the battle.

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Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots. Of course something like this would be in high demand, which is why only non-profit groups with a 501(c)(3) status are eligible to apply.

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Every year, there are a total of 18 overnight stays available on Alcatraz, and a staggering number of 200 to 400 groups compete for the opportunity to secure one of these spots.

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The secret control room is located in Alcatraz's secret tunnels beneath the lighthouse. It is accessed by using the Warden's three keys on a large, metal door. Inside the room are large consoles of old computers and a map of the continental United States.

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Alcatraz officials have suggested they drowned or died of hypothermia. Read more Alcatraz stories here. But now, more than 50 years later, the Anglin family has provided evidence that the men might have survived.

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On 12 June 1962, guards at the Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary began their day with a startling discovery. Three inmates were missing from their cells. John Anglin, Clarence Anglin, and Frank Morris had escaped.

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The bay is actually only as deep as a swimming pool. Heck, between Hayward and San Mateo to San Jose it averages 12 to 36 inches. So much for that bridge! With that said though, the water surrounding Alcatraz is on the deeper end of the scale, but still, it's just an average depth of 43 feet.

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Perhaps the most famous of all Alcatraz inmates is Robert Stroud, often remembered for his portrayal in the 1962 movie Birdman of Alcatraz. He was convicted of murder in 1909 after shooting a man at point-blank range. The victim was reportedly a client of a prostitute Stroud was pimping and had refused to pay her.

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