The year 1934 saw the birth of “The Rock” — America’s first federal maximum security prison. Formally known as Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, the island spent decades isolating its inmates within the frigid waters of the San Francisco Bay. While the prison has attained an almost mythical status in modern times, those running Alcatraz faced a number of practical problems while trying to keep the penitentiary afloat. As delegates take on the roles of the officials behind the creation of Alcatraz, they will have to face issues involving finances, security, public opinion, and prisoner’s rights. At the same time, they must be sure to leave a positive impression on the Federal Bureau of Prisons, who will determine whether Alcatraz was a success or failure at the time of the prison’s first annual report.
