Lower Military Prison

During the Civil War, Confederate sympathizers, political prisoners, deserters, and other army convicts were sent to Alcatraz, beginning the island's evolution from fort to prison. After the war ended, the post was required to take an increasing number of military prisoners, forcing the construction of temporary cellhouses and other facilities. A cluster of structures along this road was called the "Lower Prison." After the army renamed Alcatraz "Pacific Branch, Military Prison" in 1907, most of the makeshift buildings were demolished and work began on the cellhouse that stands on the island's summit today.

San Francisco, California · United States