A Quiz All About Alcatraz

Explanation
Alcatraz opened as a federal prison in 1934. This is the correct answer because it aligns with historical records and facts. Alcatraz Island, located in the San Francisco Bay, was converted into a federal prison to house high-profile and dangerous criminals. It operated as a federal prison until 1963 and gained a reputation for being virtually escape-proof. The opening year of 1934 is significant in the history of Alcatraz as it marks the beginning of its role as a federal penitentiary.

Explanation
Al Capone was sent to prison and later transferred to Alcatraz due to tax evasion. Despite being involved in various criminal activities, including murder and armed robbery, it was his failure to pay taxes that ultimately led to his downfall. The government was able to convict him on charges of tax evasion, as they were unable to gather enough evidence to directly link him to other crimes. This case served as a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to bring down one of the most notorious gangsters in history.

Explanation
The given statement is false. Robert Stroud, also known as the Birdman of Alcatraz, was not allowed to have birds in his cell on Alcatraz. While Stroud did have a fascination with birds and became an expert on ornithology during his time in prison, he was not permitted to keep birds in his cell. Instead, he conducted his studies and research on birds in the prison hospital and later in a special laboratory.

Explanation
The correct answer is 14. This suggests that there were 14 documented attempts by prisoners to escape from Alcatraz. These attempts may have involved various strategies and methods, but ultimately, the prison's security measures were successful in preventing most prisoners from successfully escaping.

Explanation
The statement "Alcatraz Prison was always full and overcrowded" is false. Alcatraz Prison, located on an island in San Francisco Bay, had a maximum capacity of around 450 inmates. However, it rarely reached full capacity, and overcrowding was not a persistent issue. In fact, the prison was known for its strict selection process, housing only the most dangerous and high-profile criminals. This helped maintain a lower population and stricter control within the prison.

Explanation
The correct answer is Machine Gun Kelly. The question asks which prisoner on the list also spent time on Alcatraz, implying that there is only one prisoner who fits this criteria. Machine Gun Kelly is the only prisoner on the list who spent time on Alcatraz.

Explanation
Al Capone arrived on Alcatraz Island by train car. This statement is true. Al Capone, the notorious American gangster, was transferred to Alcatraz in 1934. He was brought to the island by train car along with other prisoners. Alcatraz, located in San Francisco Bay, was a maximum-security prison known for housing some of the most dangerous criminals in the United States. Al Capone spent four years on Alcatraz before being transferred to another prison.

Explanation
Alcatraz is located 1 mile away from the northern shoreline of San Francisco. This means that the distance between Alcatraz and the northern shoreline is relatively close, making it easily accessible by boat or ferry.

Explanation
The statement suggests that the prison guards and their families resided on Alcatraz Island. This implies that the guards were likely required to live on the island in order to fulfill their duties. It is plausible that living on the island would provide the guards with easier access to the prison and ensure their availability at all times. Therefore, the answer "True" is supported by the information provided.

Explanation
Alcatraz closed in 1963. This closure was due to the high operational costs and deteriorating facilities of the prison. Additionally, the island prison had become less effective in deterring and rehabilitating inmates. The decision to close Alcatraz was made by the Attorney General of the United States, Robert F. Kennedy. The last prisoners were transferred from the island in March 1963, marking the end of Alcatraz as a federal penitentiary.