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Home , California, Golden Gate Bridge, War Zone (Angel)

Our Mission The of State Parks is Island played to provide for the health, inspiration and Angel Island education of the of California by a major role in the helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary settlement of biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and and as an immigration creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. station. and roads

crisscross the island, providing easy access to historic sites and

California State Parks supports equal access. breathtaking views of Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at , (415) 435-1915. This publication is available in Marin and the alternate formats by contacting: Bridge. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P. O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

Discover the many states of California.TM

Angel Island State Park P.O. Box 318 Tiburon, CA 94920 (415) 435-1915

© 2003 California State Parks (Rev. 2009) Printed on Recycled Paper A ngel Island is a grass- and Reynolds the West fumigated and immigrants suspected woodland-covered mountain island Garrison in 1900. New of carrying diseases could be kept in with spectacular views of Marin facilities at Quarry isolation. As better medical examinations County, San Francisco and the Golden Point, called East at the of embarkation and improved Gate. Coast once inhabited Garrison, evolved from medical practices made lengthy quarantines the island, and for nearly 100 years— a detention camp for unnecessary, the U.S. Public Health Service from the Civil War to the — soldiers returning from abandoned the Quarantine Station and the federal government used its the Spanish-American moved to San Francisco. strategic location for military bases, a war to a discharge The U. S. Immigration Station quarantine station and an immigration depot. During World From 1910 to 1940, the station. Today, trails and roads War I, East Garrison Immigration Station (USIS), nicknamed “the provide access to the many historic served as a recruitment Guardian of the Gate,” processed sites, facilities and breathtaking views. and replacement nearly a million immigrants from more than depot and a discharge CULTURAL HISTORY 80 countries. Immigration staff ensured that point for troops new arrivals were healthy and self-sufficient. Early Inhabitants returning from the war. Chinese persons were specifically excluded began visiting the island U.S. Immigration Station Angel Island was an from immigrating to the U. S. by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago. The Miwok embarkation site for Exclusion Act of 1882. Most of the 175,000 established camps and used the island troops headed toward the Pacific war zone Chinese arriving at Angel Island were primarily as a fishing and hunting site. during World War II and a processing facility for detained for three to ninety days—a few for In 1775, Lt. Juan Manuel de Ayala, a prisoners of war. When troops returned from almost two years—while their applications Spanish navigator, sailed the San Carlos into the war, a 60-foot sign with the illuminated were considered. Due to appeals, most and anchored in what words “Welcome , Well Done” greeted immigrants were eventually granted entry to is now Ayala Cove. With his , José de them from the island. In July 1946, the Army America. European immigrants and first-class Cañizares, he developed one of the first abandoned the island, declaring it surplus passengers faced only an inspection aboard maps of San Francisco Bay. They christened property. ship and were detained less frequently. the island Isla de . The Army returned during the Cold War Many detainees expressed their anxiety The Army on Angel Island to build a Nike missile battery. By 1962 the and despair by writing and carving on In 1863, during the Civil War, the U.S. Army system had become obsolete, and the Army the wooden walls. Some Chinese wrote established Camp Reynolds on Angel Island decommissioned the base and left the island. emotional poems, still legible today. A 1940 to protect San Francisco Bay. The island later Most of the island was turned over to California fire destroyed the administration building, became a garrison for infantry companies, State Parks in 1963. closing the USIS. The first restoration phase including infantry serving in campaigns The Quarantine Station of this National Historic Landmark has been against American Indians in the West. In 1891 a Quarantine Station was opened at completed as a tribute to immigrants from The Army designated the entire island Ayala Cove (then known as Cove), around . “Fort McDowell,” and renamed Camp where ships from foreign ports could be NATURAL HISTORY Camping Hiking and Bicycling Ten thousand years ago, the island was The park’s four Hikers have 13 miles of trails connected to the mainland. Angel Island was environmental and roadways while cyclists have created by the rise of the oceans at the end camping areas have access to nine paved miles. Foot of the ice age. water and pit toilets trails and Mount Livermore are Plant Life nearby. The closed to cyclists. The In the 1800s, cattle grazing and wood Sites are generally is 15 mph, and cyclists age 17 harvesting eliminated the and protected from wind. and under are required to wear coastal brush habitat covering Angel Island. The more exposed Civil War reenactment helmets. Watch for vehicles on The U.S. Army and the Immigration Service Ridge Sites offer views at Camp Reynolds roadways. Bicycles can be rented planted many non-native trees such as of the Golden Gate in season from the Cove Café. and Monterey . Since the Bridge and San Francisco. The Sunrise Sites For more activity information, visit creation of the state park in 1963, oak, bay, can be reserved individually or combined www.angelisland.com or call (415) 897-0715. as a group camp for up to 24 people. The madrone and other native trees and shrubs Accessible FEATURES Kayak Camp on the west side—near a small are reclaiming their habitats. Wildflowers A number of facilities, several restrooms, one beach—also accommodates groups up to cover the island in spring. campsite and the tram tour are accessible. 20. Kayak campers must secure their boats Animal Life Because of the hilly terrain and ongoing from high tidewaters. Campers must carry Deer and , both improvements, visitors are encouraged to their equipment up to two miles and bring excellent swimmers, are the call in advance for more information about camp stoves or charcoal, as no wood fires are only large mammals on accessible features, or visit http://access. allowed on the island. For year-round camping the island. seals and parks.ca.gov. reservations, call (800) 444-7275 or visit www. California sea lions often sun on Flicker parks.ca.gov. the rocks. include scrub jays, please remember hummingbirds, flickers, hawks and . Boating • State law protects all natural and cultural Near the coves, visitors find egrets, Boat slips are available first-come, first-served resources—wildlife, rocks, plants and structures. grebes, blue herons and brown pelicans. from 8 a.m. until sunset. Overnight mooring buoys are available first-come, first-served. A • Only service or assistance animals are Getting to the Island fee is charged for both day use and overnight allowed on the island. Angel Island is reachable year-round by mooring, with a seven-night limit. Boaters • Stay on designated trails to avoid ticks public . For information, visit must tie fore and aft due to swift currents. and poison oak. www.parks.ca.gov/angelisland. • Do not feed raccoons or other wildlife. Tours • Roller skates, roller blades, scooters and Activities and Services Tours of historic buildings and sites are skateboards are not allowed anywhere on The island’s scenic picnic areas have tables, available. Docent-led nature hikes can be the island. running water and barbecues. Reserve group scheduled upon request, and tram tours are • Wood fires are not permitted. picnic areas at www.parks.ca.gov or call available seasonally. Call (415) 435-3522 for (800) 444-7275. information and scheduling.