The Myth of the Rock That Couldn’t Be Broken

Alcatraz was built to crush hope. Sitting on a windswept island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, it was designed to cage the most dangerous and cunning criminals in America. Its walls once confined notorious figures like Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly. Guards and officials boasted it was escape-proof: surrounded by frigid water, punishing tides, and waves strong enough to drown even the most determined swimmer.

During its 29 years as a federal penitentiary, 36 men tried to escape. Nearly all failed. Some were shot dead in the