Birdman Of Alcatraz Grave | Robert Stroud | Metropolis Illinois

Birdman Of Alcatraz Grave | Robert Stroud | Metropolis Illinois
Robert Stroud, famously known as the Birdman of Alcatraz, was an enigmatic figure whose life journey was as tumultuous as it was fascinating. Born on January 28, 1890, in Seattle, Washington, Stroud's early life was marked by hardship and rebellion. His troubled youth saw him frequently in trouble with the law, and by the age of 18, he had already amassed a record of arrests for various offenses, including theft and assault.
However, it was in 1909 that Robert Stroud's life took a drastic turn when he murdered a bartender who had allegedly refused to pay a prostitute whom Stroud was pimping. Sentenced to 12 years in prison, Stroud's violent temper and defiance led to numerous clashes with prison authorities. His time in Leavenworth Penitentiary would become the backdrop for the transformation that would later immortalize him in popular culture.
It was during his incarceration in Leavenworth that Stroud's fascination with birds began. Denied access to the general prison population due to his violent behavior, Stroud found solace in caring for injured birds he found in the prison yard. He devoted himself to their care, studying their behavior, and even conducting rudimentary experiments. His avian studies gained him recognition among ornithologists, who were astonished by the depth of his knowledge and the quality of his writings on the subject.
Despite his newfound passion, Stroud's violent tendencies persisted, and in 1916, he murdered a guard in a fit of rage. Sentenced to death, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment by President Woodrow Wilson. Stroud's reputation as a dangerous inmate led to his transfer to the notorious Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary in 1942, where he would spend the rest of his days.
It was during his time in Alcatraz that Stroud's reputation as the Birdman truly took flight. Denied access to his beloved birds, Stroud began writing extensively on avian diseases and their treatment, ultimately publishing two books on the subject. His expertise garnered him admiration from fellow inmates and even some prison officials, who saw value in his research.
Despite his newfound purpose, Stroud's life remained one of isolation and confinement. He spent over 17 years in solitary confinement, a punishment for his continued defiance of prison regulations. Yet, even in the confines of his cell, Stroud's passion for birds never waned. He transformed his cell into a makeshift aviary, caring for sparrows, canaries, and even a few finches.
Robert Stroud's story is one of contradictions-a man capable of great violence, yet possessing a deep compassion for living creatures. His legacy as the Birdman of Alcatraz endures, immortalized in books, films, and popular culture. After serving over 54 years in prison, Stroud was transferred to the Medical Center for Federal Prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, where he died on November 21, 1963, at the age of 73.
Despite his notoriety, Stroud's final resting place is far from the confines of Alcatraz or Leavenworth. He was buried in Metropolis, Illinois, in the family plot alongside his mother and father. The simplicity of his grave belies the complexity of his life-a life marked by violence, redemption, and an unwavering love for the birds that brought solace amidst the chaos. Today, visitors to Metropolis can pay their respects to the Birdman, a man whose story continues to captivate and intrigue generations.
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[@michaellinsinki8309]

Nicely done. Very interesting. I've only seen the movie years ago.

[@TheMadNomadder]

Thanks, I've never watched the movie, so one day I may have to.

[@texaslonestarrider]

WOW!

[@TheMadNomadder]

Never know what you may find out there.

[@alizaabrahall7437]

Thanks for sharing guess that's how he got his nickname

[@TheMadNomadder]

I guess my nickname should be AchievementMan lol

[@bobbyjohanson957]

You go to a lot of graves. Seen a lot of famous people over the years.

[@TheMadNomadder]

We like to venture out during the summer and visit graves.

[@ralphmanchin9193]

You find some of the oddest things

[@TheMadNomadder]

I have an exquisite taste.

[@gypsylynn9419]

Neat to see his grave. Sad they throw grass cuttings all over the headstones.

[@TheMadNomadder]

Glad we got out to see this. Not our first time removing grass from graves.

[@gypsylynn9419]

@@TheMadNomadder Probably not the last time either