When Did Alcatraz Stop Functioning As A Prison?

Ultimately, the Federal Government determined it would be more cost-effective to build a new prison on the mainland than to maintain Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. As reported by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was officially closed on March 21, 1963.

Following the closure of the prison, several organizations offered proposals for use of the abandoned island and facility. However, in 1969, it was occupied by a group of Native Americans. The self-proclaimed "Indians of All Tribes" intended to install a cultural and education center on Alcatraz island. However, they were eventually overwhelmed by vandals who defaced and destroyed property and were suspected of setting a devastating fire. The Federal Bureau of Prisons reports the last members of the "Indians of All Tribes" left Alcatraz in June 1971.

In 1972, Alcatraz Island was officially adopted as part of the National Park Service's Golden Gate National Recreation Area. As a result, the island and remaining facilities are federally protected and are open to the public for tours. According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, an estimated one million tourists visit Alcatraz Island every year. In addition to some of the original detention facilities, Alcatraz has an exhibit commemorating the Native Americans' occupation of the island and remnants of the Civil War-era facilities.

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