A history of Alcatraz Island, 1853-2008
By: Gregory L. Wellman.
Series: Images of America
Publisher: Arcadia Pub.
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Charleston, SC
Language: eng
Number of pages: 127
ISBN-13: 9780738558158
Subjects: United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, California -- Pictorial works; United States. -- Bureau of Prisons -- History -- Pictorial works; Prisons -- California -- Alcatraz Island -- History -- Pictorial works; Inmates of institutions -- California -- Alcatraz Island -- Pictorial works; Community life -- California -- Alcatraz Island -- Pictorial works; Family life -- California -- Alcatraz Island -- Pictorial works; Alcatraz  Island (Calif.) -- History -- Pictorial works; Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Calif.) -- Pictorial works; San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.) -- History -- Pictorial works
Genres: Pictorial works.
Description: As one of America's most notorious prisons, Alcatraz has been a significant part of California's history for over 155 years. The small, lonely rock, known in sea charts by its Spanish name "Isla de los Alcatraces," or "Island of Pelicans," lay essentially dormant until the 1850s, when the military converted the island into a fortress to protect the booming San Francisco region. Alcatraz served as a pivotal military position until the early 20th century and in 1934 was converted into a federal penitentiary to house some of America's most incorrigible prisoners. The penitentiary closed in 1963, and Alcatraz joined the National Park Service system in 1972. Since then, it has remained a popular attraction as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 127).
Table of contents: title: California gold, the U.S. Military, and a new purpose for Alcatraz Island; title: Alcatraz evolves under the Federal Bureau of Prisons: 1933-1963; title: Life and times of the notorious: the prisoners of Alcatraz; title: Watching over the island: wardens, guards, and personnel: 1934-1963; title: Wives, sons, and daughters of Alcatraz: 110 years of family life on Alcatraz; title: Native American occupation, National Park, and American icon: 1963 to 2008.