Alcatraz page 1

Alcatraz page 1 by ric gustafson


Their is a twelve acre rock island in the middle of the world's largest natural harbor. On this island was the first lighthouse on the west coast. The US army established the first west coast garrison on this island. Heavy fortifications were built to form cross fire for the narrow Golden Gate. The Penitentiary on the island was built to hold the worst of prisoners.
The island was discovered in 1769. It took six years for a ship to find it's way past the Golden Gate to chart the bay. The Golden Gate started as a small cove. It was named Isla de Alcatraces which translates to the island of the pelicans. The island was fortified with three batteries of cannon, bomb proof magazines and a 35 foot brick citadel. The prison building was built over the citadel quarters.
The island is made of grained sandstone and is mostly barren. Later, the garrison was transferred to the Presidio, Fort Baker and Angel Island. The island survived the 1906 earthquake and at one time housed the city's prisoners.
The Depression brought hard times to the War Department and Alcatraz.


research help: ' Alcatraz' by Asteron Productions


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric