The Archives of Alcatraz
In 1775, a spanish explorer named Juan Manuel De Ayala sighted the island of Alcatraz. He named it Isla de los Alcatraces, which translates to Island of the Pelicans because of the birds which call the island home. Juan Manuel de Ayala proceeded on and charted the rest of the San Francisco Bay. In 1848, the U.S. Military realized the island could be used to its tactical advantage. Two years later, president Millard Fillmore issued an executive order designating Alcatraz for military use. Construction of a fortress began in 1853 on the island. By the late 1850’s, over 100 heavy caliber cannons surrounded the fort.
During the civil war Alcatraz was used to guard the state of California from a possible attack from the confederate troops. Ultimately, an attack never occurred, so they turned it into a military prison intended to house prisoners of war. When the …show more content…
While working in the prison laundry, train robber, John Gill 's, stole, piece by piece garments of the US Army technical Sargeant 's uniform. While wearing it he boarded a transport boat off the island. He was caught 20 minutes later when he landed.
All of the prisoners were caught or are presumed dead showing the true characteristics of Alcatraz. While each person has their own opinion, Alcatraz is haunted metaphorically speaking, by the ideas, people and blood spilled in its halls and cells.
Today, Alcatraz is known for housing some of the toughest criminals of the mid-20th century and putting them in their place. More than one million people visit Alcatraz each year. ‘The Rock’ was tough through everyday routine and various prisoners are known for their time spent inside or their crimes they committed outside. Contributing to the name ‘Uncle Sam 's Devil 's Island’. The walls and soul of Alcatraz are riddled with escape attempts. The prisoners who reside on Alcatraz have shaped cultural view of
In 1775, a spanish explorer named Juan Manuel De Ayala sighted the island of Alcatraz. He named it Isla de los Alcatraces, which translates to Island of the Pelicans because of the birds which call the island home. Juan Manuel de Ayala proceeded on and charted the rest of the San Francisco Bay. In 1848, the U.S. Military realized the island could be used to its tactical advantage. Two years later, president Millard Fillmore issued an executive order designating Alcatraz for military use. Construction of a fortress began in 1853 on the island. By the late 1850’s, over 100 heavy caliber cannons surrounded the fort.
During the civil war Alcatraz was used to guard the state of California from a possible attack from the confederate troops. Ultimately, an attack never occurred, so they turned it into a military prison intended to house prisoners of war. When the …show more content…
While working in the prison laundry, train robber, John Gill 's, stole, piece by piece garments of the US Army technical Sargeant 's uniform. While wearing it he boarded a transport boat off the island. He was caught 20 minutes later when he landed.
All of the prisoners were caught or are presumed dead showing the true characteristics of Alcatraz. While each person has their own opinion, Alcatraz is haunted metaphorically speaking, by the ideas, people and blood spilled in its halls and cells.
Today, Alcatraz is known for housing some of the toughest criminals of the mid-20th century and putting them in their place. More than one million people visit Alcatraz each year. ‘The Rock’ was tough through everyday routine and various prisoners are known for their time spent inside or their crimes they committed outside. Contributing to the name ‘Uncle Sam 's Devil 's Island’. The walls and soul of Alcatraz are riddled with escape attempts. The prisoners who reside on Alcatraz have shaped cultural view of