Fort Alcatraz

Fort Alcatraz (1859-1934) - Declared a military reservation 6 Nov 1850, construction started 1853 under the supervision of 1st Lt. Zealous B. Tower, Corps of Engineers, first garrisoned 30 Dec 1859. Became a military prison in 1907 and a civilian prison in 1934. Also known as Camp Alcatraz and Prison Post at Alcatraz Island.

2 - 8" Rodman Guns at Camp Alcatraz

Fort Alcatraz History

Part of the Harbor Defense of San Francisco.

The island was a key artillery post guarding San Francisco Bay. During the U.S. Civil War [1861-1865], the Army imprisoned deserters, insubordinate soldiers, and Confederate sympathizers on the island. In 1868, the Army established a permanent military prison on Alcatraz. In 1909, the Army demolished much of the original fort, and started building a new prison there. In 1934 the Army turned the post over to the Federal Prison System.

Current Status

Now a National Park.

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Location: Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, California. Maps & Images Lat: 37.82667 Long: -122.42222 Multi Maps from ACME Maps from Bing Maps from Google Elevation: '

Sources:

• Hart, Herbert M., Tour Guide to Old Western Forts, Pruett Publishing Co., Boulder CO, 1980, ISBN 0-87108-568-2, page 21
• Frazer, Robert W., Forts of the West, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman OK, 1965, ISBN 0-8061-1250-6, page 19

Links:

• National Park Service
• Coast Defense Study Group, Press, Digital Library, Forums

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Fort Alcatraz Picture Gallery

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