Living History Day on Alcatraz
February 23, 2008Click any photo to enlarge, use your
browser's back button to return to this page.
Hover over any photo to see photographer credit:
Living History Days February 23, 08 Report:
Alcatraz Island was host to the first Living History Day with the emphasis on the American Civil War during the period of 1861 - 1865. The island is world famous for housing a Federal Prison from 1934 to 1963 along with the many notorious inmates. The island is lesser known as a military fortification that offered protection for San Francisco, the surrounding cities, and San Francisco Bay. During the period from the 1850's until a number of years after the Civil War ended the military installation on Alcatraz Island continued to be the largest fortification west of the Mississippi River. The strategic plan was to mount as many as 300 large guns on the island. On February 23, 2008, the National Park Service and the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz hosted the LHD event that was supported by the Golden Gate Conservancy. Approximately 50 Civil War re-enactors volunteered to participate in reenactment activities of the Civil War period. Their uniforms and insignias were representative of those present between 1861 and 1865 on the island. The activities included drills, marching, prisoner escort, encampment cooking, and guard duty. A uniformed band throughout the day performed Civil War period music. The band was placed near the dock area to perform for all arriving and all departing visitors to the island. The 24-pound Howitzer on display in the Sally port was used as a model to illustrate the techniques of loading and of firing a large gun by a Civil War artillery group of re-enactors. The Sally port demonstration was observed by a large number of the visitors. Displays of medical instruments and related equipment were presented along with descriptions and explanations of their use.
The staff of Alcatraz Rangers and Alcatraz Volunteers supported and facilitated the activities of the day. Interpretative programs and tours with an emphasis on those existing Civil War period historical structures that still exist on the island. Noteworthy historical structures include brick walls, guardhouse and sally port, lower level of the Citadel, gardens, and battery remnants.
A large number of public visitors and re-enactors involved themselves with tours and special exhibits in addition to observing and touring the world famous prisoner blocks of cells, the scenic landscape, the fascinating architecture on the island, and the natural beauty of the island and its surroundings.
The Friends of Civil War presented those who participated in the Living History Day with a signed certificate and a Living History Day patch.
All of the public visitors, the Civil War re-enactors, the NPS staff, Alcatraz Rangers, Alcatraz Volunteers, Alcatraz Tours, and Friends of Civil War Alcatraz are to be congratulated for the success of the Living History Day. Special thanks are given to Historian John Martini and Alcatraz Volunteer/Co-Director of FOCWA Brad Schall for their leadership of the special tours. Alcatraz Volunteer/FOCWA Officer John Nevins coordinated and organized an exceptional event - thank you.
Attendees with Group Leader Brad Schall:
Soldier Sean Taylor:
Living History Day photos by Susan Cohn
Click here for Living History Days 2008 photos by Patti Ballard
Living History Days
October 4, 2008
Participants limited to 150 people. This was an expanded version of the very successful February 23rd Living History event:
Click any photo to enlarge, use your browser's "back" button to return: