Rise and Fall of Alcatraz Island
The Rise and Fall of Alcatraz Island Alcatraz Island was discovered by the Indians and taken away by the government. ... All attempts by the Indians to regain legal ownership of Alcatraz Island failed. The only other possible choice they had was to takeover the island. The history of the Indian’s takeover of Alcatraz slowly failed by government enforcement. Alcatraz Island was first used by the Indian people. Indians discovered the island; therefore they should have control over it. "Alcatraz was used as a place of isolation and ostracization for tribal members who had violated tribal law (…)" (Johnson 1). Alcatraz was used "as a camping spot, and an area for gathering food" (Johnson 1).The island was an important part of the Indians’ lifestyle. One of their most significant uses of Alcatraz was to use the island "as a hiding place for many Indians attempting to escape from the California Mission System" (Johnson 1). At this point the Indians had not yet claimed Alcatraz Island as their property. There was never really a motive to claim the property until "1968, when Alcatraz was declared surplus property to be given to the city of San Francisco (…)" (T. ... After that, everything the Indian people used the island was taken from them and the Indians had to fight to try and get Alcatraz back. ... The only option left was to attempt a takeover of Alcatraz Island.