Alcatraz: The Rock of Hard Knocks
Alcatraz: The Rock of Hard Knocks
Imagine a cold, rocky island in the middle of the San Francisco Bay. This is Alcatraz Island, also known as "The Rock." For many years, it was home to one of the most famous prisons in the United States.
From Fortress to Prison
Alcatraz started as a military fort in the 1850s. Soldiers lived there to protect San Francisco from attacks. But in the early 1900s, the army turned it into a military prison. Later, in 1934, it became a federal prison, where some of the most dangerous criminals were sent.
Life on The Rock
Life in Alcatraz was tough. Prisoners lived in small cells and had strict rules to follow. They spent most of their time alone. There was a library, but talking was limited. Guards watched everything. Meals were quiet, and any trouble could mean losing privileges. Because the prison was on an island surrounded by cold water and strong currents, escape was thought to be impossible.
Famous Inmates
Alcatraz housed many well-known criminals, including Al Capone, also known as "Scarface." He was a famous gangster. Another notable inmate was Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz." He was known for studying birds, but he wasn't allowed to keep any birds while in Alcatraz.
- Inmates:
- People who are kept in a prison.
- Privileges:
- Special rights or advantages that some people have.
- Currents:
- A body of water moving in a definite direction.
- Fortress:
- A building with strong walls to defend against attack; a fort.
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- 1What is Alcatraz also known as?
- 2What was Alcatraz originally used for?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“Alcatraz: The Rock of Hard Knocks” is a informational reading passage about Island Prisons, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (308 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.