[1] His earlier posts as warden included New Mexico State Prison, Washington State's McNeil Island Federal Penitentiary,[2] and the Federal Penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana.

[8] His fashion style of sombrero, cowboy boots, and rings and belt buckles of turquoise bore out his southwest heritage.

[4] In his first 18 months as warden, Swope introduced painting and a prisoners' orchestra as reform measures.

[9] He was a strict disciplinarian but unlike his predecessor, James A. Johnston, he was considered the most disliked warden of Alcatraz with his officers and the inmates.

[11] At the age of 66, he resigned from his post at Alcatraz on January 21, 1955, shortly before his death.