Alcatraz was initially a federal prison. It was closed after the operating costs became to large. There was no sewage or water system so everything had to be transported back and forth. The last prisoners left the island on March 21, 1963. In the 70's, the island was turned over to Native Americans as a way to protest against the reservations. This was also brought to a close and the Alcatraz is now a part of the National Park Service.