A cryptocurrency entrepreneur based in Denver has proposed building a 450-foot statue of the Greek god Prometheus on Alcatraz Island. This ambitious project, if approved and completed, would stand taller than the Statue of Liberty and become a prominent landmark in San Francisco Bay.
Key Takeaways
- Denver-based crypto entrepreneur Ross Calvin proposes a 450-foot Prometheus statue on Alcatraz.
- The monument would be taller than the Statue of Liberty and visible from San Francisco Bay.
- Project cost is estimated at $450 million and includes a technology museum.
- Federal approval is required to reclassify Alcatraz from a national park to a national monument.
- The proposal aims to symbolize innovation, technology, and an optimistic American future.
The Vision for Alcatraz
Ross Calvin, founder of the Bitcoin mining company Parhelion, is leading this proposal. He is doing so through his nonprofit organization, the American Colossus Foundation. This foundation states its mission is to promote "a cultural renaissance of civilizational power through creativity, self-sovereignty and future-thinking."
The proposed monument would be made of nickel-bronze. Its planned height means the figure's head would almost reach the level of the Golden Gate Bridge. This design intends to create a symbolic counterpart to New York Harbor's Statue of Liberty, defining San Francisco's skyline.
Statue Comparison
- Proposed Prometheus: 450 feet tall
- Statue of Liberty: 305 feet tall (from pedestal to torch)
- The Prometheus statue would be approximately 145 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Project Details and Symbolism
Bloomberg News first reported details of Calvin's proposal. The project, officially named "The Great Colossus of Prometheus on Alcatraz," has an estimated cost of $450 million. This figure also includes plans for a technology museum located on the island.
In ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus is a Titan known for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity. Calvin interprets this figure as a "titan of innovative progress." He also describes it as a "monument to American manifest destiny." The project aims to celebrate the liberating forces of technology and entrepreneurship.
"Standing taller than the Statue of Liberty, our monument inaugurates a new golden age, revering creativity and the heroic nature of man," Calvin wrote on the foundation’s website.
He further stated, "It unapologetically symbolizes a brilliant, optimistic American future, calling us to visionary thinking, bold achievement, and forging this new world into a powerful ideal."
Regulatory Hurdles and Historical Context
For this project to proceed, it requires significant federal approval. Alcatraz Island is currently designated as a national park. The proposal would necessitate its reclassification as a national monument. This change is a complex administrative and legal process.
Calvin plans to submit renderings and a formal proposal to President Trump's administration by the end of January. He has stated that the idea for a Prometheus monument on Alcatraz began in his childhood. He recalled sailing past the island and imagining it as "a perfect place for a symbol of triumph and beauty."
Alcatraz Island's History
Alcatraz was originally a military fort. It later became one of America's most famous federal penitentiaries. It housed notorious criminals like Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. The prison closed permanently in 1963. The island is known for its isolation and the many failed escape attempts from its walls.
The notorious island has also inspired several major films. These include "The Rock" starring Sean Connery and Nicolas Cage, and the 1979 classic "Escape from Alcatraz" with Clint Eastwood.
Current Administration's Interest in Alcatraz
President Trump has previously suggested reopening and expanding Alcatraz. His proposal was to use it as a high-security facility. This facility would house violent offenders and individuals he considers unlawful entrants to the US. This separate plan, estimated to cost over $2 billion, has led to engineering reviews and site visits by federal officials.
However, Trump's proposal faces its own set of logistical and legal challenges. These challenges are largely due to Alcatraz Island's protected historic status. Critics have called the plan impractical and politically motivated. Despite this, the administration continues to explore its feasibility.
The new Prometheus statue proposal adds another layer of potential development for the historic island. Both projects highlight the ongoing debate about the future use and preservation of Alcatraz. Any major changes would require careful consideration of its historical significance and environmental impact.
- The island's status as a national park protects its historical and natural resources.
- Reclassifying it as a national monument would change its management and potential uses.
- Public and government reactions to both proposals will determine their future.
