Civil War Day at Alcatraz

[Gary of CA]

Civil War Day at Alcatraz. On Saturday, Feb. 23, historians in Civil War attire will perform demonstrations and discuss Alcatraz’s role in the Civil War.

Alcatraz was a fort much longer than it was a prison. However, it is in the latter role that Alcatraz is remembered today by most Americans. Learn more about Fort Alcatraz and its role in the war on this show organized by the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz.

(Webmaster: I cannot vouch for the authenticity of this event. It's a first time ever for Alcatraz Island. That's why I'm posting it in the sinks).

[sharpshooter]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Gary is right that this is 1st time we are having this event but we are only representing units that were actually at this fort. We do have specific uniform and weapon requirements. No cavalry, no sharpshooters and no Zuovuas. This is an outstanding opportunity to do living history at an actual Civil War post out here in the West.

[D F Smith Historic]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

HI All,

This is a fantastic opportunity to work with the NPS at Alcatraz & develope a very good program that will help forlks see Californias forgotton contribution to the US war effort.

I wish I was able to go, as the unit I am in ( 1st CA Vol Inf) served there before heading out with the CA Column to push out the Confederates out of AZ & NM Terr

Here are some pics I had sent to me of troops at the Fort at Alcatraz island


Don S

[Drygoods]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

How do we all get out there? Is there a special boat or just take the tour ferry? And what time? Are civilians welcome?

[sharpshooter]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Mrs. P,


There are civilians allowed but registration is limited to 50 people and almost all the spots are taken. I will get the contact info for you. The response to come out to Alcatraz has been tremendous.

[Drygoods]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

The response to come out to Alcatraz has been tremendous.

WONDERFUL! That is the best news I've heard all week. I don't know if we will be there, but it sure would be nice, and I bet I know most the folks attending.:wink_smil I sure hope the event grows.

[sharpshooter]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

The Park Service will only allow 50 reenactors on the site but the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz have done a super job of getting this organized. All we need is a bit of good weather so we do not freeze to death there, Alcatraz is notorious for having poor climate conditions.

[federal_musician]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Was there a band on the island back then?


Would one be allowed at a future event?

Thank you
Frank Long

[sharpshooter]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Frank,

Yes there were musicians there, this event was limited to a fairly small number of folks so it was sent out on a e-mail for those who have had been out to do the Civil War Alcatraz tour and other friends but the organizers asked those on the list to spread the word. A significant number of the people attending are musicians and civilians-maybe 1/2. At a point in the near future it quite likely they will be turning people away. The Park Service is the one that set the number I understand. I think the more the merrier. We will see how this 1st time event will go. The people who are running it are really great folks.

[Pvt Peck]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Don:

Any idea what year those pics were taken? Pre war, just post war or during the war? Are they regular or California troops? It is a fantastic group of photos, showing troops in frocks and dress hats as well as fatigue uniforms. Really wish I could make it to this event but I'll be up in Marin on a weekend getaway! I strongly suggest greatcoats be taken to the island as it can get COLD! Hope this one grown and grows.

Ted Parrott

[Gary of CA]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

BTW, the Friends of Civil War Alcatraz is ponying up some money for soljer's fare, coffee and doughnuts.

Hornblower Yachts has the exclusive contract to ferry folks from SF to Alcatraz. Find them on-line and buy your tickets now. They generally sell out three days in advance. Parking is difficult but if you don't mind, you can park near Fort Mason (free like us cheapskates do) and catch the 30 Stockton bus. Hop off on Columbus and walk down to the streetcar (there's only one streetcar line there) and you can ride along the waterfront until you get to Hornblower. Tell the driver to let you off there).

Pic #4 posted by Comrade Eureka Independent (Don S) has a view of Telegraph Hill in the background. That's where Coit Tower presently stands. Coit Tower was designed by Arthur Brown, Jr. who also designed the Opera House, Veterans War Memorial Bldg, City Hall, Civic Center Auditorium, Health Dept. Building and the Asian Art Museum, made the tower resemble a fire nozzle. Thanks Don for sharing those pictures.

Wear warm clothing and check the weather report. Mark Twain once said, "The coldest summer I ever spent was in San Francisco."

If you have time, you might also want to visit Fort Point (beneath the Golden Gate Bridge). It'll give you an idea of what Fort Sumter was like before everybody shelled the begeezus out of it. The parade ground has been concreted over (modern stuff) and was originally dirt. They've got some nice guns like a Dahlgren out there. There's also some interesting exhibits in the galleries upstairs. It was the first time I've seen a photo of Sgt. Horace Bivins, 10th Cav (post Civil War). He thrice won the Army marksmanship Gold Medal and fought in the Spanish American War (see the book, Under Fire).

For those of you who decide to make it a day, the best Italian restaurant is Firenze By Night on Stockton Street between Vallejo & Green. Real Italians in the kitchen unlike many others that have Argentinians who substitute for Italians. It's a 5 Star with 3 Star prices. Best foccacia bread is Liguria Bakery on Filbert & Stockton. Get there before noon because they close when they feel they made their share of money for the day. Best pizzeria is Tomasso on Kearney between Broadway & Pacific.

[Gary of CA]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

BTW, for participants (reenactors), there's supposed to be a special tour of the casemate area that isn't open to the public yet.

[Drygoods]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

I hope you all have a grand time. We heard that the numbers were full, so hope to be on a waiting list for the next time round. It sure sounds like a grand time. Wish I was there.:D

[D F Smith Historic]

Re: Civil War Day at Alcatraz

Don:

Any idea what year those pics were taken? Pre war, just post war or during the war? Are they regular or California troops? It is a fantastic group of photos, showing troops in frocks and dress hats as well as fatigue uniforms. Really wish I could make it to this event but I'll be up in Marin on a weekend getaway! I strongly suggest greatcoats be taken to the island as it can get COLD! Hope this one grown and grows.

Ted Parrott

Hi Ted

I think the pictures were taken around 1864-66 , But I am not sure. Will have to look into this. As to who the troops are in the pictures, I will have to look into it. If these are war time pics thay will be California troops , if post war (post 1866) they will be Regulars.


All the best

Don