The day Alcatraz was closed – level 2

21-03-1963

In 1934, Alcatraz prison was opened in the United States. It was located on an island near San Francisco. Not only the most serious criminals but also prisoners who often tried to escape were brought here from all over the USA. It was difficult to escape from the prison because the water around it was very cold and there were strong sea currents.

During Alcatraz’s operation, there were 14 attempts in which 36 men tried to escape. Almost all the attempts were well documented and the men were caught again or died. Only one attempt had an unknown result. Three men escaped on a special boat made of raincoats, and they were never caught.

After 29 years, the prison was closed on March 21, 1963, because the operating costs were very high. Today, the prison is a museum.

Difficult words: current (a flow of water), attempt (when you try to do something difficult), raincoat (a coat which protects from rain).

What do you think became of the three men who successfully escaped from Alcatraz Prison in 1962?

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