As Donald Trump announces plans to rebuild and reopen Alcatraz Prison, we answer your top questions: When was Alcatraz built, why did it close, and what does reopening mean today? Alcatraz began as a military prison in the 19th century, with its iconic concrete cellhouse completed in 1912. It became a federal penitentiary in 1934, notorious for housing America’s most dangerous criminals. The prison was closed in 1963 due to extremely high operating costs, deteriorating infrastructure, and its vulnerability to escape attempts-most famously the 1962 breakout that accelerated its shutdown.
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00:00This is Alcatraz, one of America's most infamous prisons, closed for over 60 years.
00:15Now, President Donald Trump says it's time to rebuild and reopen it,
00:20calling Alcatraz a symbol of law, order and justice.
00:24Alcatraz's story begins in the 1850s as a military fortress.
00:30By 1912, its concrete cell house was completed.
00:34In 1934, it became a federal penitentiary, housing notorious criminals like Al Capone and George Machine Gun Kelly.
00:43In the 29 years it was open, 36 men attempted 14 separate escapes, according to the FBI.
01:00But Alcatraz was expensive to run.
01:04Everything food, water, fuel had to be shipped by boat.
01:09The island's salt air corroded buildings, and by the early 1960s, repairs would have cost millions.
01:15The prison closed on March 21st, 1963, with officials citing high costs and crumbling infrastructure.
01:25The Bureau of Prisons had said an estimated $3 to $5 million was needed just for restoration and maintenance work to keep the prison open.
01:34Since then, Alcatraz has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to its storied halls and a tape-proof reputation.
01:58Now, President Trump wants to change that.
02:02He's directed federal agencies to rebuild and substantially enlarge Alcatraz, designating it for America's most violent offenders.
02:11Trump says the move will send a clear message.
02:14America is serious about law, order and justice.
02:18But what does reopening Alcatraz mean?
02:35Supporters say it's a bold step to isolate the most dangerous criminals.
02:40Critics argue it's a costly, symbolic gesture that may not address deeper issues in America's justice system.
02:47Alcatraz's next chapter could be its most controversial yet.