Alcatraz By 90303668 Aug 27, 1775 Alcatraz discovered Discovered by Spanish explorer Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala Feb 4, 1850 Alcatraz turned into a military prison Alcatraz got turned into a military prison and military defense site Period: Feb 4, 1850 to Jul 12, 1933 Alcatraz used as a military prison Jul 12, 1933 Alcatraz turned into a federal prison Home to many famous prisoners Period: Jul 12, 1933 to Mar 21, 1963 Alcatraz used as a federal prison Dec 16, 1937 Theodore Cole and Ralph Roe's escape attempt Jun 11, 1962 Frank Morris, John Anglin, and Clarence Anglin attempt to escape Mar 21, 1963 Alcatraz Closed as a federal prison Closed due to high operating costs Period: Nov 20, 1969 to Jun 11, 1971 Native American Protests Jan 1, 1972 Alcatraz becomes a historical landmark and popular tourist destination
