A history of Alcatraz Island, 1853-2008

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.

subjects: Inmates of institutions,  Prisons,  Community life,  United States. Bureau of Prisons,  Family life,  United States,  United States Penitentiary, Alcatraz Island, California,  Pictorial works,  History,  Families,  Prisons, united states,  Alcatraz island (calif.),  California, description and travel,  California, history

Places: Alcatraz Island (Calif.),  Alcatraz Island,  California,  Golden Gate National Recreation Area (Calif.),  San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)