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United States, Disciplinary Barracks, Alcatraz Island, c. 1920

Originally developed as a fortress, Alcatraz bacame a prison when the Army recognized that the cold water and swift currents surrounding the island were ideal for this purpose. The first prisoners were a few soldiers confined in the guard house basement in 1859. In 1861 the post was designated as the military prison for the Department of the Pacific.

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Lighthouse and Citadel, Alcatraz Island, 1904

The Alcatraz lighthouse began service in 1854 as the first lighthouse on the Pacific Coast. The Citadel, right, was constructed in 1857 as a defensive barracks. It could hold troops of 200 men during an attack, able to withstand a four month siege. It was demolished between 1908-11 when Alcatraz ceased its role as a fortress.

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