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Alcatraz Island, also known as The Rock, began as a heavily fortified military site. Although it started as a military prison in the mid- 1800s, a 600-cell structure built in 1912 served as a federal prison from 1934-1963. Located in San Francisco Bay, it closed after over 75 years because of high operating costs. The Rock itself had no beaches, running water, vegetation, or any resources. No one is credited with successfully escaping Alcatraz, despite fourteen attempts.