Occupation of Alcatraz
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The Occupation of Alcatraz was a 19-month long protest when 89 Native Americans and their supporters occupied Alcatraz Island. The protest was led by Richard Oakes, LaNada Means, and others, while John Trudell served as spokesman. The group lived on the island together until the protest was forcibly ended by the U.S. government.
Markings from the occupation of Alcatraz as it appeared in 2010
Graffiti on the water tower
Markings from the occupation, featuring a Navajo greeting, "Yata Hey"
Alcatraz Island
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Alcatraz Island is a small island 1.25 miles (2.01 km) offshore from San Francisco, California, United States. The island was developed in the mid-19th century with facilities for a lighthouse, a military fortification, and a military prison. In 1934, the island was converted into a federal prison, Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. The strong currents around the island and cold water temperatures made escape nearly impossible, and the prison became one of the most notorious in American history. The prison closed in 1963, and the island is now a major tourist attraction.
Alcatraz Island from the San Francisco Bay
The Social Hall, destroyed by fire during the Native American occupation.
Alcatraz Island, 1896
Alcatraz in the dawn mist, from the east. The "parade ground" is at left.