A visual Alcatraz timeline from 19th-century fortress to modern national park, with key dates, milestones, and photos.

Alcatraz's evolution mirrors America’s coastal defense and justice eras — a compact timeline with outsized impact.

| Period | Role | What Changed |
|---|---|---|
| 1850s–1860s | Coastal Fortress | Batteries, cannons, military garrison |
| 1860s–1906 | Mixed Use | Holding deserters and POWs alongside artillery |
| 1907–1933 | U.S. Military Prison | Expanded confinement, proto‑infrastructure for a penitentiary |
| 1934–1963 | Federal Penitentiary | Maximum security, infamous inmates, escape lore |
| 1969–1971 | Native American Occupation | Sovereignty protest; graffiti becomes testimony |
| 1972–today | National Park Unit | Preservation, tours, and layered interpretation |
Reading ruins: Alcatraz is a palimpsest — newer structures straddle older foundations.

Look for numbered site maps at the dock and interpretive signs near the Cellhouse.

Ich habe diesen Guide geschrieben, damit dein Alcatraz‑Tag einfach, informativ und erinnerungswürdig ist — mit ehrlichen Tipps aus wiederholten Besuchen.
Loading comments...