These are aspects of the island I looked up and the data I gathered.

The Full History of Alcatraz Island’s Construction and Development

Early History and Exploration

• 1775: Spanish explorer Juan Manuel de Ayala charted San Francisco Bay and named the island La Isla de los Alcatraces (The Island of the Pelicans) due to the abundance of seabirds.
• 1846: Before California became part of the United States, John C. Frémont claimed Alcatraz on behalf of the U.S. government, purchasing it for $5,000 in the name of military expansion.

Construction as a Military Fortress (1853–1859)

The discovery of gold in California during the 1848 Gold Rush prompted the need to protect San Francisco Bay from potential naval attacks.

1. Initial Fortifications
   • 1853: Construction began under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to establish a coastal defense system.
   • The rocky terrain was flattened, and steep cliffs were reshaped to accommodate buildings and artillery.
2. Fortress Design
   • Alcatraz was fitted with more than 100 cannons, designed to guard against naval invasions.
   • Fort Alcatraz included brick-lined tunnels, underground magazines (ammunition storage), and barracks for soldiers.
3. Lighthouse
   • 1854: The first lighthouse on the U.S. West Coast was built on Alcatraz, aiding navigation in the increasingly busy San Francisco Bay.

Transition to Military Prison (1868–1907)

By the mid-1800s, technological advancements rendered the coastal fort obsolete. Alcatraz’s isolated location made it ideal for holding military prisoners.

1. Early Use as a Prison
   • During the Civil War (1861–1865), it housed Confederate sympathizers, deserters, and prisoners of war.
   • The fort’s defenses were minimally used, and more of the island’s space was repurposed for confinement.
2. Formal Conversion
   • 1868: Alcatraz officially became a long-term military prison, holding both military and civilian prisoners.
   • Wooden barracks were replaced with permanent stone and brick buildings.
3. Conditions
   • Cells were cramped and damp, with minimal sanitation.
   • The isolation of the island made escape nearly impossible, solidifying its reputation as a secure prison.

Development as a Federal Prison (1907–1934)

1. Decommissioning as a Military Prison
   • By the early 20th century, the military prison was outdated, and Alcatraz was transferred to the Department of Justice in 1933 to become a maximum-security federal penitentiary.
2. Modernization for Civilian Use
   • 1933–1934: The island underwent major renovations to convert it into a state-of-the-art, escape-proof prison.
   • Key improvements included:
     • Steel Reinforced Concrete: Replaced weaker walls and floors.
     • Tool-Proof Bars: Installed on all windows and cell doors.
     • Gun Galleries and Guard Towers: Built to provide constant surveillance.
     • Floodlights: Mounted to eliminate dark areas at night.
3. The Cellhouse
   • The main cellhouse was updated to include four cell blocks: A, B, C, and D.
   • Cell Dimensions: Each cell measured approximately 5 feet by 9 feet with a bed, sink, and toilet.
   • Cell Block D (“The Hole”): Designed for solitary confinement and punishment.
4. Utilities
   • Hot water plumbing was added to the showers to prevent inmates from acclimating to the cold bay water, reducing escape attempts.
   • A state-of-the-art power plant and water treatment facilities were built to sustain the prison population.

Operation as a Maximum-Security Prison (1934–1963)

1. Purpose
   • Alcatraz was designed to hold the “worst of the worst”—criminals who caused trouble at other federal prisons.
   • Inmates included mobsters, murderers, and escape artists.
2. Inmate Life
   • Facilities included a mess hall, recreation yard, library, and infirmary, but life was strictly controlled.
   • Prisoners were given minimal privileges and endured extreme isolation.
3. Escapes and Security
   • Between 1934 and 1963, 36 prisoners attempted to escape. None were confirmed to have successfully made it to freedom.
   • The island’s location—surrounded by frigid waters and strong currents—served as a natural deterrent.
4. Closure
   • 1963: Due to high maintenance costs and deteriorating infrastructure, Alcatraz was decommissioned. The average cost per prisoner was three times higher than other federal prisons.

Post-Prison Era and Redevelopment (1963–Present)

1. Idle Years (1963–1969)
   • After its closure, the island sat unused, while the federal government debated its future.
2. Native American Occupation (1969–1971)
   • A group of Native American activists occupied Alcatraz to protest U.S. government policies and advocate for indigenous rights.
   • Their 19-month occupation drew national attention and ended with the government forcibly removing them.
3. National Park Designation
   • 1972: Alcatraz became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
   • 1986: Designated a National Historic Landmark.
4. Tourism Development
   • 1980s-Present: The National Park Service restored and preserved several structures, including the cellhouse, lighthouse, and military buildings.
   • Visitor infrastructure, including ferries and guided tours, was introduced, making Alcatraz one of San Francisco’s most popular attractions.

Architectural Highlights

• Main Cellhouse: The dominant structure, containing four blocks of cells, administrative offices, and a dining hall.
• Warden’s House: Built in 1921, now a ruin after being damaged by fire.
• Recreation Yard: A walled outdoor space used for exercise.
• Lighthouse: Operational since 1854, providing navigation for ships in the bay.
• Guard Towers: Strategically placed to provide a 360-degree view of the island.

Probable Native Plants on Pre-Development Alcatraz

1. Coastal Sagebrush (Artemisia californica)
   • A drought-tolerant shrub common to California’s coastal ecosystems. It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and withstands salty air.
2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
   • The state flower of California, this hardy annual would have flourished in the island’s dry, sunny conditions.
3. Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)
   • A low-growing perennial with purple flowers, well-suited to rocky coastal environments.
4. Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
   • A nitrogen-fixing shrub that stabilizes poor soils, common in coastal scrub areas.
5. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
   • A resilient wildflower with white blooms, known for its ability to grow in poor, rocky soils.
6. Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)
   • A salt-tolerant grass that thrives in coastal areas with high salinity and limited fresh water.
7. Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)
   • A hardy shrub often found in coastal scrub habitats, providing shelter for small animals and insects.
8. Native Ice Plant (Carpobrotus chilensis)
   • Unlike the invasive South African ice plant introduced later, this native species is smaller and better adapted to coastal California.

Marine Influence on Vegetation

The proximity to the ocean likely influenced plant growth on Alcatraz. Salt spray and high winds would have stunted plant height and favored species with:

• Thick, waxy leaves to reduce water loss.
• Low, ground-hugging growth habits to withstand strong winds.

Post-Development Impact

Human development, beginning with military construction in the 1850s, dramatically altered the island’s landscape:

• Soil Removal: Early construction stripped much of the natural soil and vegetation.
• Gardens: Introduced ornamental plants, like roses and ivy, replaced native flora.
• Invasive Species: European grasses and non-native ice plants spread rapidly, outcompeting native plants.

Edible and Medicinal Plants on Alcatraz Island

Before human development, Alcatraz Island likely supported a variety of edible and medicinal plants, though the specific species present would have been limited by the island’s rocky terrain, harsh winds, and salty environment. These plants were characteristic of California coastal ecosystems, which are adapted to similar challenging conditions. For the Ohlone people, the indigenous inhabitants of the San Francisco Bay region, this native flora often served as both food and medicine, forming an essential part of their traditional ecological knowledge and daily life.

Edible Plants Likely Found on Alcatraz

1. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
   • Edible Uses: The leaves and flowers can be brewed into a tea or eaten raw in small quantities.
   • Medicinal Uses: Traditionally used as an anti-inflammatory and to stop bleeding from wounds.
2. Bush Lupine (Lupinus arboreus)
   • Edible Uses: Seeds can be eaten but require extensive preparation to remove toxins.
   • Ecological Role: Fixed nitrogen in the soil, aiding other plant growth.
3. Seaside Plantain (Plantago maritima)
   • Edible Uses: Leaves are edible and can be used in salads or cooked like spinach.
   • Medicinal Uses: Known for treating wounds and soothing insect bites.
4. Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)
   • Edible Uses: The seeds can be ground into flour, though it was not a primary food source.
5. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
   • Medicinal Uses: While not edible, parts of the plant have mild sedative properties and were used for pain relief and relaxation.

Medicinal Plants Likely Found on Alcatraz

1. Coastal Sagebrush (Artemisia californica)
   • Medicinal Uses: Leaves were traditionally used to make teas for colds, coughs, and digestive issues. They were also burned as a smudge to purify the air.
2. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
   • Medicinal Uses: Used extensively for treating wounds, fevers, and digestive problems. A key plant in many indigenous medicinal traditions.
3. Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis)
   • Medicinal Uses: Used for treating skin irritations and minor wounds.
4. Wild Buckwheat (Eriogonum spp.)
   • Medicinal Uses: Brewed as a tea to relieve headaches and sore throats.
5. Sea Blite (Suaeda californica)
   • Edible Uses: Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and are rich in vitamins.
   • Medicinal Uses: Used to treat inflammation and as a tonic.

Historical Displacement of Native Plants

• The introduction of non-native species and the transformation of Alcatraz into a military and later penitentiary site removed much of the island’s natural vegetation.
• Early settlers and prisoners cultivated gardens with ornamental plants, replacing native edible and medicinal species.

Modern Restoration Efforts

Current conservation projects by the National Park Service and volunteers aim to reintroduce native plants, including some edible and medicinal species, to restore the island’s natural ecosystem and provide habitat for wildlife.

Alcatraz Island’s edible and medicinal plants offer a window into the resilience of coastal ecosystems and the indigenous knowledge of natural resources.

Animal Life on Alcatraz Island

Despite its small size, Alcatraz Island supports a surprisingly diverse array of animal species. Over the centuries, the island’s rocky terrain, location in San Francisco Bay, and evolving human presence have shaped its animal population. Below is a detailed overview of the birdlife, marine life, insects, and other animals that inhabit or visit the island, both historically and currently.

1. Birdlife: The Stars of Alcatraz

Alcatraz Island is an important nesting site for seabirds and shorebirds. Its isolation and limited predators make it an ideal habitat.

Commonly Seen Birds

• Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
  • The most abundant bird on Alcatraz, Western gulls nest on nearly every surface of the island, especially during spring and summer.
  • Diet: Scavengers; they eat fish, scraps, and sometimes eggs of other birds.
  • Behavior: Known for their loud, raucous calls and aggressive nesting behavior.
• Brandt’s Cormorant (Phalacrocorax penicillatus)
  • A dark seabird with blue throat patches during breeding season.
  • Nesting: Colonies form on cliffs and rocky ledges.
  • Diet: Dives underwater to catch fish.
• Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
  • Medium-sized herons roost in dense vegetation during the day and hunt at night.
  • Diet: Small fish, insects, and crustaceans.
• Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
  • Elegant white birds with yellow feet often seen wading in shallow water.
  • Nesting: In shrubs or low trees.
• Pigeon Guillemot (Cepphus columba)
  • Small black seabirds with bright red legs that nest in crevices.
  • Behavior: Known for their high-pitched whistles and clumsy landings.
• Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus)
  • Slightly smaller than Brandt’s cormorants, often seen perched on rocky outcroppings.

Seasonal Visitors

• Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
  • Frequently glide over the island in graceful V formations.
  • Status: Once endangered, now recovered but still monitored.
• Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
  • Larger cormorants with tufts on their heads during breeding season.

2. Marine Life: The Bay Beneath

The waters surrounding Alcatraz Island teem with marine life, thanks to the nutrient-rich currents of San Francisco Bay.

Mammals

• Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
  • Occasionally spotted resting on nearby rocks or swimming in the bay.
  • Behavior: Curious but shy, they keep their distance from human activity.
• California Sea Lion (Zalophus californianus)
  • While more commonly seen at Pier 39, some venture to the island’s rocky shores.
  • Diet: Fish, squid, and crustaceans.

Fish

• Rockfish (Sebastes spp.)
  • Found in the underwater rocky areas surrounding the island.
  • Diet: Crustaceans and small fish.
• Leopard Shark (Triakis semifasciata)
  • A harmless bottom-dwelling shark native to San Francisco Bay.
• Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica)
  • Glides gracefully through the shallow waters.

Invertebrates

• Dungeness Crab (Metacarcinus magister)
  • Found in the bay’s sandy and muddy areas.
• Sea Anemones (Anthopleura spp.)
  • Attach to rocks below the waterline and capture plankton with their tentacles.
• Barnacles and Mussels
  • Thrive on the submerged rocky surfaces, filtering nutrients from the water.

3. Insects and Pollinators

The reintroduction of native plants on the island has supported the return of various insect species, including pollinators.

• Native Bees
  • Species like the California bumblebee (Bombus californicus) pollinate the island’s flowers.
• Butterflies
  • The Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) occasionally passes through during migration.
• Ants and Beetles
  • Ground-dwelling species inhabit the rocky terrain and crevices.

4. Other Terrestrial Animals

Alcatraz Island’s small size and harsh environment limit the number of land-dwelling animals.

• Rodents
  • House Mice (Mus musculus) and Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were introduced during human occupation. These species thrived on food scraps but are now controlled to protect bird populations.
• Reptiles
  • Native lizards like the Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) may have been present historically but are not common today.

5. Conservation Challenges and Efforts

Human activity significantly impacted the island’s animal life over the centuries:

• Loss of Habitat: Construction removed natural vegetation, reducing nesting and shelter areas for native animals.
• Predation: Introduced rats and other non-native species threatened birds and insects.

Modern Restoration

The National Park Service has implemented measures to support the island’s wildlife:

• Protecting Bird Habitats: Areas are closed during nesting seasons to minimize human disturbance.
• Eradicating Invasive Species: Efforts to control rodent populations and reintroduce native plants have improved the ecosystem.