Cloaked in secrecy, discussed by even the most hardened criminals as a place of terror, US Penitentiary Alcatraz is the most feared institution in the American penal system. From 1934 to 1963 more than 1500 prisoners pass through its gates, including Machine-Gun Kelly and Scarface himself, Alphonse Capone. But how did this island rock capture the public imagination? What was life really like inside? This is a Short History of Alcatraz. Written by Kate Simants. Sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit betterhelp.com/shorthistory for 10% off your first month. Sponsored by Beer52. Claim your free box of beer at beer52.com/shorthistory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices