March 21 in American History

March 21, 1963 — Alcatraz closes

The federal prison on the island in San Francisco Bay — home to Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, and famous as inescapable — shut down after 29 years, too costly to keep running. No prisoner is known to have successfully escaped its cold, current-swept waters. It's now one of the most visited historic sites in the country.

Common Questions

What happened on March 21 in American history?

In 1963: Alcatraz closes. The federal prison on the island in San Francisco Bay — home to Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, and famous as inescapable — shut down after 29 years, too costly to keep running.

Why is March 21 significant?

The federal prison on the island in San Francisco Bay — home to Al Capone and "Machine Gun" Kelly, and famous as inescapable — shut down after 29 years, too costly to keep running. No prisoner is known to have successfully escaped its cold, current-swept waters. It's now one of the most visited historic sites in the country.

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