On March 21, 1963, Alcatraz was emptied of its last inmates and closed at the order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
During 29 years of operation, it held some of America's most notorious criminals, including gangster Al Capone. The former prison is now a tourist destination.
The National Park Service commemorated the 50th anniversary with a special photo exhibit on the island. The never-before-seen photos capture Alcatraz on its last day.
ABC7's Wayne Freedman took a trip to the Rock. Watch the video to see why Alcatraz always brings a mixture of emotions.
