Ep 13. Alcatraz Down Under

From the depths of the San Francisco Bay lies a menacing fortress that was once the world's most notorious maximum-security prison. On this episode of Cities Of The Underworld, we explore the underbelly of the legendary Alcatraz, revealing new discoveries that offer fresh insight into the world of infamous inmates, brutal gang wars and daring escapes.

Host Don Wildman takes us on a journey through the labyrinthine tunnels, eerie cells and hidden chambers that make up the less-known parts of Alcatraz. We start our adventure by descending into the bowels of the prison, where we discover the sinister secrets of the punishment cells and the “hitching post,” a medieval-style restraint used to torture disobedient prisoners.

As we journey further, we encounter the infamous Alcatraz escape route known as the “Climbing Wall,” where inmates used improvised tools to scale the 15-foot-high ceiling, driving screws into concrete walls and bending the bars of the vent shaft to gain access to the roof. The show also reveals how inmates such as Frank Morris and the Anglin brothers attempted to use the “Alcatraz Sewer System” in their daring and ultimately failed escape.

But it’s not just the prison itself that holds secrets, as we venture into the surrounding island, we find hidden tunnels and passageways used by prison guards and wardens. We explore the island’s underground water pipe system, which provided inmates with their only water supply, and the island's power plant, which was the sole supplier of electricity for the whole prison.

As Don takes us on this journey, we are also given a glimpse into the social and political context of the time, exploring how Alcatraz represented a microcosm of the wider issues faced by America during the turbulent 1960s.

With the help of experts and archival footage, Cities of the Underworld brings to life the grim reality of life on Alcatraz, exploring the violent gang wars that raged within the prison walls and the methods used to maintain order.

This episode of Cities Of The Underworld, explores the darkest corners of a notorious American landmark and sheds light on its complicated history and significance. Not only does it offer fascinating insight into the lives of prisoners and prison staff, but it also paints a vivid picture of a pivotal moment in American history.