Robert Franklin Stroud, often referred to as “America’s most famous convict,” became a well-known figure thanks to a book and a movie about his life. The book, written by Thomas E. Gaddis in 1955, was titled “Birdman of Alcatraz” and was later adapted into a film starring Burt Lancaster. Both the book and the movie portrayed Stroud as a brilliant, self-taught man who had made mistakes but was trying to make up for them. However, those who knew him, including prison guards and fellow inmates, had a different view, describing him as a dangerous individual. A psychiatric evaluation in 1943 labeled him a psychopath, adding complexity to his public image.
Robert Franklin Stroud was born on January 28, 1890, in Seattle, Washington. His early life was difficult, with an abusive alcoholic father. At 13, Stroud ran away and found work on a railroad gang in Alaska. There, he became involved with Kitty O’Brien, a dance hall entertainer. Their relationship is debated, but Stroud began working as her pimp. His violent nature surfaced when he killed a bartender named Charlie Van Dahmer, allegedly over a dispute involving O’Brien. Stroud pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Stroud’s time at McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary was brief due to his violent behavior, leading to a transfer to Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Despite leaving school early, he pursued education in prison. However, his health suffered from Bright’s disease, and he grew increasingly bitter. In 1916, Stroud killed a prison guard named Andrew Turner. Initially sentenced to death, he managed to avoid execution through appeals and was eventually sentenced to life in prison.
In 1920, Stroud’s life changed when he found three baby sparrows and began caring for them, sparking his interest in birds. He became known for breeding canaries and selling them to visitors, turning his cell into an aviary. However, in 1931, new regulations stopped federal prisoners from running businesses, ending his canary enterprise. Despite this, Stroud continued his research and published works on bird diseases. He also collaborated with Della Mae Jones, a canary breeder, but faced increasing scrutiny from prison authorities.
In 1942, Stroud was moved to Alcatraz, where he was no longer allowed to keep birds. He continued to study and write, but his manuscripts were denied publication due to their controversial nature. Stroud spent his final years in a medical facility, experiencing a more relaxed environment than before. Despite his notoriety, Stroud’s death on November 21, 1963, went largely unnoticed due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy the following day.
Robert Franklin Stroud’s life story is a complex mix of crime, punishment, and unexpected passion for birds. While his public image was shaped by media portrayals, the reality of his character and actions remains a subject of debate. His journey from a troubled youth to the “Birdman of Alcatraz” offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s most infamous convicts.
Research the conditions and daily life in early 20th-century prisons like McNeil Island and Leavenworth. Create a presentation that compares these conditions to modern-day prisons. Focus on how these environments might have influenced individuals like Robert Stroud. Present your findings to the class, highlighting any significant changes or continuities.
Participate in a class debate on whether Robert Stroud should be remembered primarily as a criminal or as a self-taught ornithologist. Prepare arguments for both sides, considering his criminal actions and his contributions to ornithology. Engage with your classmates to explore the complexities of his legacy.
Write a fictional diary entry from the perspective of Robert Stroud during his time at Alcatraz. Use historical details from the article to inform your writing. Reflect on his thoughts, feelings, and daily experiences, considering both his isolation and his passion for birds.
Choose a bird species that interests you and conduct research on its habitat, behavior, and any diseases it may face. Create a report or presentation that includes visuals and interesting facts. Relate your findings to Stroud’s work with canaries and his contributions to avian research.
Watch the film “Birdman of Alcatraz” and analyze how it portrays Robert Stroud compared to the historical account provided in the article. Write a review discussing the accuracy of the film, its impact on Stroud’s public image, and your personal reflections on the story.
In his obituary, the New York Times referred to Robert Franklin Stroud as “probably America’s most famous convict.” He gained notoriety later in life after author and former corrections officer Thomas E. Gaddis wrote a book about him in 1955 titled “Birdman of Alcatraz.” This book was adapted into a popular film starring Burt Lancaster, which received four Academy Award nominations. Both the book and the movie played significant roles in shaping the public’s perception of Stroud, portraying him in a positive, even heroic light as a self-taught man of superior intellect who had made a mistake but was eager to make amends to society.
However, this portrayal did not align with the views of the guards and inmates who knew him. Some described him as “not a sweetheart” and claimed he was a “vicious killer” who thrived on chaos. A psychiatric evaluation in 1943 labeled him a psychopath with an IQ of 112, suggesting a more complex reality behind the media image.
**Early Years**
Robert Franklin Stroud was born on January 28, 1890, in Seattle, Washington. His childhood was troubled, marked by an abusive alcoholic father. At the age of 13, Stroud ran away from home and eventually found work on a railroad gang in the Alaska Territory. There, he became involved with an older woman named Kitty O’Brien, who worked as a dance hall entertainer. Stroud’s relationship with her is debated, but he began serving as her pimp.
Stroud’s violent tendencies emerged when he confronted a bartender named Charlie Van Dahmer, allegedly over an altercation involving O’Brien. Stroud killed Van Dahmer and was subsequently sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter.
**Life Behind Bars**
Stroud’s time at McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary was short-lived due to his violent behavior, leading to his transfer to Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. Despite having left school at a young age, he took advantage of educational opportunities while incarcerated. However, his health deteriorated due to Bright’s disease, and he became increasingly bitter.
In 1916, Stroud killed a prison guard named Andrew Turner during an altercation. Initially sentenced to death, he managed to avoid execution through appeals and was eventually sentenced to life in prison. His legal battles continued, but he remained incarcerated.
**Becoming the Birdman**
Stroud’s life took a turn in 1920 when he discovered three baby sparrows in a destroyed nest. He began caring for them, which sparked his passion for ornithology. Stroud became known for breeding canaries and even selling them to visitors, turning his cell into an aviary. However, in 1931, new regulations prohibited federal prisoners from conducting for-profit enterprises, ending his business.
Despite this setback, Stroud continued his research and correspondence with bird experts, publishing works on avian diseases. His relationship with Della Mae Jones, a canary breeder, led to a brief business venture, but Stroud faced increasing scrutiny from prison authorities.
**Transfer to Alcatraz**
In 1942, Stroud was transferred to Alcatraz, where he was no longer allowed to keep birds. He continued to study and write, producing manuscripts that were ultimately denied publication due to their controversial content. Stroud spent his final years in a medical facility, where he experienced a more relaxed environment compared to his previous confinement.
Despite his notoriety, Stroud’s death on November 21, 1963, received little attention due to the timing of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination the following day.
Stroud – A coarse woolen cloth often used in the past for making clothing and blankets, particularly by Native American tribes. – In the novel, the protagonist wrapped himself in a stroud to keep warm during the harsh winter.
Birds – In literature, birds often symbolize freedom, transcendence, or the human soul. – In Maya Angelou’s autobiography, the caged bird becomes a powerful metaphor for the struggle for freedom and equality.
Prison – A facility where individuals are confined as a punishment for crimes, often used in literature to explore themes of confinement and redemption. – Dostoevsky’s experiences in a Siberian prison deeply influenced his later works, which often explore themes of suffering and redemption.
Education – The process of receiving or giving systematic instruction, especially at a school or university, often a central theme in literature and history for its role in personal and societal development. – In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” education is portrayed not only as formal schooling but also as the moral and ethical lessons imparted by Atticus Finch.
Violence – The use of physical force to harm someone or something, a recurring theme in literature and history that often explores its causes and consequences. – Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is a profound exploration of how unchecked ambition leads to violence and chaos.
Canaries – Small songbirds often used historically in literature as symbols of innocence or as harbingers of danger, such as in coal mines where they detected toxic gases. – In George Orwell’s “1984,” the canary in the coal mine metaphor is used to describe the subtle warnings of a society in decline.
Alcatraz – A notorious island prison in San Francisco Bay, often used in literature and film as a symbol of isolation and the inescapability of one’s past. – The novel’s protagonist felt trapped in his own life, much like the inmates of Alcatraz, unable to escape his circumstances.
Biography – A detailed description of a person’s life, often used in literature to provide insight into historical figures and their impact on the world. – The biography of Nelson Mandela offers a profound look into the struggles and triumphs of a leader who changed the course of history.
Psychopath – A person with a personality disorder characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, often explored in literature to examine the darker aspects of human nature. – In “Crime and Punishment,” Raskolnikov’s actions raise questions about whether he is a psychopath or a deeply troubled individual seeking redemption.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often used in literature to provide context and depth to narratives. – The novel weaves a rich tapestry of personal stories against the backdrop of history, illustrating how individual lives are shaped by the times in which they live.
