History
4
On April 27, 1936, inmate Joseph Bowers burned garbage in the incinerator ahead while officers watched from a guard tower standing on these concrete pylons. He suddenly ran for the fence, made it over the top, and became the first prisoner to attempt escape from Alcatraz. When he ignored warnings from the guards, he was shot and killed.
Hear stories like this as you drive
ExploreHere reads historical markers out loud as you pass them: over 325,000 stories across the US. No account needed.
4.7 · 800+ ratings · Free
FIND IT
San Francisco, California · United States
