United States Penitentiary Alcatraz Island California

This book traces the intriguing history of Alcatraz Island, located off the coast of San Francisco, from the earliest years of Spanish exploration to the present day. Highlighting the unique geographical features of the island, it shows how Alcatraz went through many changes, being used over the years as a military facility, a notorious federal prison widely believed to be escape-proof, as well as the site of American Indian uprisings.

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.

An intriguing history of Alcatraz Island and its infamous prison, located off the coast of San Francisco, from the earliest years of Spanish exploration to the present day. Highlighting the unique geographical features of the island, it shows how Alcatraz went through many changes, being used over the years as a military facility, a notorious federal penitentiary widely believed to be escape-proof, as well as the site of American Indian uprisings.

Discusses the history of California's Alcatraz Island, covering its use as a military prison, as a national maximum security facility, the lives of prisoners and guards, and its current status as a national park.

Portrays the history of Alcatraz Island as shared by the men who lives and worked there.

ALCATRAZ UNCHAINED is a provocative insight rarely captured as fi rsthand experiences are shared by three of ‘The Rock’s’ actual prisoners. Ride an emotional roller coaster from grim tales of despair to fond stories of antics, and then transition into a beautiful refl ection of life’s accounts for one little girl who fondly called the Island, “Home.” Explore the history of Alcatraz Island from a profoundly different perspective.