History & Culture

Historic Christmas 1954 menu for the Alcatraz prisoners. Park Archives, GGNRA, NPS

The Fascinating History of Alcatraz Island

Alcatraz has a many-layered history: Civil War fortress, military prison, federal prison, bird sanctuary, first lighthouse on the West Coast, and the birthplace of the American Indian Red Power movement: These are just a few of the fascinating stories of the Rock. Alcatraz Island is a designated National Historic Landmark for its significant contribution to the nation's history.

The following links provide excellent sources for students as well as for those planning a visit and wanting to know more.

 

Stories

Learn about the military history (1850-1934), the federal penitentiary history (1934-1963) and perhaps the most influential period in the island's history, the American Indian occupation (1964 and 1969-1971) that saved the tribes--and maybe the island too.

 

People

Learn about some of the famous (and not so famous) people associated with the Rock.

 

Collections

See items from the National Parks museum collection and learn about other available resources for in-depth research.

 

Preservation

Learn how the National Park Service preserves and rehabilitates the island's buildings and structures for future generations.

 

Exhibits

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  Mass Incarceration in the U.S.

  The Big Lockup Exhibit

  More than 2.3 million people are behind bars in the United States. Learn more about the new exhibition open now, on Alcatraz Island.

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  Red Power on Alcatraz

  American Indian Occupation, 1969-2019

  In 1969 Indigenous activists occupied Alcatraz for 19 months. Learn more about the 50th anniversary and commemorative exhibit.

 

Historical Resources

For more in-depth historical information about Alcatraz, download the NPS Historic Resource Study titled: "The Rock: A History of Alcatraz Island (1847-1972)." To learn about Alcatraz's historic buildings and cultural landscapes, visit GGNRA's Cultural Resource Publication page.