Alcatraz reveals stories of American incarceration, justice, and our common humanity. This small island was once a fort, a military prison, and a maximum security federal penitentiary. In , the Indians of All Tribes occupied Alcatraz for 19 months in the name of freedom and Native American civil rights.
We invite you to explore Alcatraz's complex history and natural beauty. In , businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail.
In , Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo climbed out of his boat and onto shore, becoming the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. Cabrillo National Monument not only tells the story of this 16th-century exploration but also houses a wealth of cultural and natural resources.
Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Exploration. Follow in the footsteps of over , emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the s and s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5, miles long and covers portions of 10 states.
Step into history along more than 1, miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons. Castle Mountains represents some of the most unique elements of the Mojave Desert. Nestled between the Nevada state line and Mojave National Preserve, the nearly 21, acres of Castle Mountains boasts Joshua tree forests, unbroken natural landscapes, rare desert grasslands, and rich human history. This intriguing area provides serenity and solitude from nearby metropolitan areas.
