Alcatraz Island in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
First Escape Attempt
— Golden Gate Recreation Area —
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 1, 2022
1. First Escape Attempt Marker
"He took his chance"
On April 27, 1936, a guard tower stood on these concrete pylons. As officers watched, inmate Joseph Bowers burned garbage in the incinerator straight ahead. Suddenly, Bowers went for the fence, made it over the top, and became the first prisoner to attempt escape from Alcatraz. When he ignored warnings from the guards, he was shot and killed.
(remainder of marker illegible)
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • Notable Events. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1936.
Location. 37° 49.599′ N, 122° 25.422′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is on Alcatraz Island. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94133, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Morgue (within shouting distance of this marker); Not Just a Water Tower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Alcatraz Lighthouse (about 400 feet away); Officers' Club (about 400 feet away); Lower Military Prison (about 400 feet away); Indian Occupation 1969-1971 (about 400 feet
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located on the south side of Alcatraz Island, at the point where the trail forks off to either the recreation yard or the dock restrooms.
Also see . . .
1. Joseph Bowers (Wikipedia).
"Joseph "Dutch" Bowers (December 13, 1896 – April 27, 1936) was the first man to attempt an escape from Alcatraz prison. He was born in Rohrbach, Austria. Bowers was arrested for robbery of mail with a firearm."(Submitted on March 21, 2022.)
2. The Desperate Escape of Joseph Bowers (AlcatrazHistory.com). A more detailed look at Joseph Bowers and his escape attempt.
"Joe Bowers, an inmate considered criminally insane by many of his fellow inmates on the Rock, would make national headlines with a desperate act that for over a half century has been called an escape by some and suicide by others."(Submitted on March 21, 2022.)
Photographed By Andrew Ruppenstein, February 1, 2022
2. First Escape Attempt Marker - wide view
The marker is the rightmost of the two visible here.
Photographed By U.S. Federal Government(via Wikipedia), 1934
3. Mugshot of inmate Joseph "Dutch" Bowers
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 21, 2022, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 3. submitted on March 21, 2022.
