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Gregory L. Wellman
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History of Alcatraz Island, 1853-2008 (Images of America: California) Paperback – June 2, 2008

by Gregory L. Wellman (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 163 ratings
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History of Alcatraz Island since 1853, A (Images of America)
History of Alcatraz Island since 1853, A (Images of America)
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As one of America's most notorious prisons, Alcatraz has been a significant part of California's history for over 155 years. The small, lonely rock, known in sea charts by its Spanish name "Isla de los Alcatraces," or "Island of Pelicans," lay essentially dormant until the 1850s, when the military converted the island into a fortress to protect the booming San Francisco region. Alcatraz served as a pivotal military position until the early 20th century and in 1934 was converted into a federal penitentiary to house some of America's most incorrigible prisoners. The penitentiary closed in 1963, and Alcatraz joined the National Park Service system in 1972. Since then, it has remained a popular attraction as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
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  1. Print length
    128 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Arcadia Publishing
  4. Publication date
    June 2, 2008
  5. Dimensions
    6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    073855815X
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0738558158
  8. See all details
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Escape from Alcatraz: The Mystery of the Three Men Who Escaped From The Rock (Encounter: Narrative Nonfiction Stories)
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Inside Alcatraz: My Time on the Rock
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gregory L. Wellman, a member of the Wells Fargo Historical Services Department and the California Historical Society, reveals in these images the role of Alcatraz since 1853. The island's startling transformation comes alive through the photographic collections of the Alcatraz Alumni Association, the Golden Gate National Archives, and other private collections from around the country. This stirring imagery documents the evolution of one of America's most renowned and memorable landmarks.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Arcadia Publishing (June 2, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 073855815X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0738558158
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 11.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.5 x 0.31 x 9.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 163 ratings

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Gregory L. Wellman

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Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
163 global ratings
Very thin, all pictures
2 Stars
Very thin, all pictures
Very thin. Also book is 90% pictures. Really not much to read at all. I wouldn’t pay no more than $10 for this book
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Top reviews from the United States

MLO
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read for Alcatraz buffs.
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2015
Verified Purchase
Very good information (with plenty of pictures) of the history of Alcatraz. I've always been interested in Alcatraz (have read some other books too) and found reading this book an easy read and really enjoyable. I finished reading it the same day I got it. Especially interesting to me was what had happened to all the buildings that were there when it was a prison. Many buildings are now gone and it's hard to even find photographs of the way it used to look. I had assumed the Indian occupiers burned them all down but now found out through reading this book that they burned down four of them (Wardens Home, Medical examiner, and lighthouse care person, and Social Hall) and the rest were torn down by the government after the Indians left. Torn down were the large Buildings A B and C near the Parade Grounds along with several bungoloes, the assoc Warden's home, and some others on the Parade Grounds. Such a shame to see the history gone. Taking a tour now reveals a shell of what it used to look like. Anyway, good read for those who are interested in Alcatraz history (I eat this stuff up). What I wouldn't give to spend a day on Alcatraz with Jolene Babyak (who lived on the island and wrote a book) to pick her brains about Alcatraz.
7 people found this helpful
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Tired Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
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Fast shipping. This book was a great read. It’s very interesting with tons of historical photos.
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Sassy68
5.0 out of 5 stars Great informational book about the history of Alcatraz
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2020
Verified Purchase
Great book about the history of Alcatraz: perfect gift for the history buff! My brother loved it!
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Jeanne L. Nelson
5.0 out of 5 stars History of Alcatraz Island
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2012
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Haven't finished it yet; but so far, it is more than interesting. It is also very informative (like a history lesson) and loaded with great pics.
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BigGim
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2016
Verified Purchase
Took the fam on a trip to San Fran. Did the Alcatraz tour. Before we boarded the plane to come home my husband was ordering this book. He really enjoyed it. Quick read.
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Bought it for my teenage daughter and she loved it
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2013
Verified Purchase
Bought it for my teenage daughter and she loved it. She did a report on Alcatraz for school and this was something she and her step father (who has been a peace officer for many years) could both enjoy learning the history of the prison and some of it's prisoners.
3 people found this helpful
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Thomas Ploski
4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2018
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great selection of images and useful text
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george c. luckette
5.0 out of 5 stars Alcatraz facts in this book
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2019
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Great book for study purpose, great condition, fair price
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Top reviews from other countries

Valerie Hoath
5.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting book
Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2023
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I thought this book was excellent. Great pictures.
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rachael
5.0 out of 5 stars alcatraz
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 7, 2013
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what a lovely book bought it for my 13 year old son as he was looking up facts on google good combination of writing and pictures his grandfather is also waiting to read it , delivered within a couple of days
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Pleased
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2020
Verified Purchase
Good book. Very easy order process.
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shannii
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 26, 2018
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very interesting book
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Brian Tierney
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 30, 2014
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Excellent Book well worth the read :)
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