A History of Alcatraz Island: 1853-2008 - (Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)) (Paperback) - by Gregory L Wellman

Dimensions (Overall): 9.21 Inches (H) x 6.49 Inch (W) x .35 Inch (D)
Weight: .7 Pounds
Number of Pages: 128
Genre: History
Sub-Genre: United States
Series Title: Images of America (Arcadia Publishing)
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing (SC)
Author: Gregory L Wellman
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: State & Local, West (AK, CA, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY)
Language: English

About the Book

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.

Book Synopsis

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 dor