Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was closed in 1963 primarily because it was too expensive to operate. The costs of running the prison were about three times higher than other federal prisons, largely due to its isolation on an island that required all food, fuel, and supplies to be transported by boat and water to be barged in since the island had no fresh water source. Additionally, the buildings were deteriorating due to saltwater exposure, requiring costly repairs estimated around $3-5 million. The closure was accelerated by a notable escape attempt in 1962, which raised concerns about the prison's security and vulnerability to future escapes. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy ordered the prison to close on June 23, 1962, citing both the high operational costs and the potential for further escape attempts. The prison officially closed on March 21, 1963.
Key Reasons for Closure
- High operational costs: $10 per prisoner per day compared to $3 at other federal prisons.
- Logistical challenges: No fresh water source; nearly a million gallons had to be barged weekly.
- Structural deterioration from saltwater exposure requiring expensive renovations.
- Security concerns following a major escape in 1962.
- Decision to build a more cost-effective, modern prison facility elsewhere.
The remoteness and expense ultimately made Alcatraz impractical as a correctional facility despite its notoriety and historical significance.
