store.mysticalsanfranciscophot... Alcatraz's "Ranger" John Cantwell takes you on a behind to scenes tour of Alcatraz Island where he goes underground to the once dungeon where prisoners marks are still carved into walls.
Hey! Its Ranger John. Ranger John is a very good ranger, he knows a lot about the place, and he's got a great voice (its his voice on the boat). He led my tour group on the private behind the scenes tour about a month ago and he was an AWESOME ranger.
I love the history...it's such a beautiful location. I went in April and fell in love with Alcatraz.. I plan to go again and again...it's a must if you like history.
It was Warden James Johnston who used the dungeons but only during the first 5 years when it first opened as a Federal prison. Prisoners were kept in the dark (The lights would be switched off) and would be left alone with nothing but a bucket to relive themselves in and a restricted diet of bread and water (just like in the army days). Sometimes they'd be handcuffed and chained to the wall or bars. The last time they used them, was in the late 30's with Charles Berta. He got into a fight with several guards before he was overpowered and knocked out by Associate Warden Miller. Miller threw him into a cell, then handcuffed him for 8 hours until Warden Johnston decided enough is enough, and that the dungeons were over. Guard Clifford Fish was the one who first got the order.
When the ranger said that sound means we got cha, you're not leaving anymore! I guess what he said didnt apply to the anglins and frank morris because they left of their own accord...
