President Donald Trump recently announced plans to reopen Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, which surprised many since Alcatraz is now a popular tourist destination. The island, just two miles from San Francisco, attracts over 1.4 million visitors annually.
Alcatraz has a rich history, serving as a military fort, military prison, and federal prison from 1934 to 1963, holding famous criminals like Al Capone. After its closure, it became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, offering tours to visitors.
However, turning Alcatraz back into a functioning prison isn’t feasible. The island lacks basic necessities like water, sewage, and electricity, making it too expensive to operate. Former National Park Service director Jon Jarvis also noted that operating the prison would be ridiculously expensive, as Alcatraz’s costs were three times higher than other prisons when it closed in 1963.
Changing Alcatraz’s status as a National Landmark would also require Congressional approval, and many politicians, including State Senator Scott Wiener and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, oppose the idea.
For now, Trump’s plan seems unlikely, and visitors can still enjoy Alcatraz as a tourist attraction. Tickets for the ferry and tours are available, starting at around $50.
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