Alcatraz Island Engineers began fortifying the island, work which continued until 1858, eventuating in Fortress Alcatraz. The island's first garrison at Camp Alcatraz, numbering about 200 soldiers and 11 cannons, arrived at the end of that year. When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, the island mounted 85 cannons (increased to 105 cannons by 1866) in casemates around its perimeter, though the small size of the garrison meant only a fraction of the guns could be used at one time. At this time it also served as the San Francisco Arsenal for storage of firearms to prevent them falling into
Alcatraz Island in popular culture a makeshift task force to track down the inmates and prevent them from committing further crimes while also determining the reasons for their return. Alcatraz's isolated and fortified image has meant that it has been used as a location for fictional hostage scenarios in various instances. A number of books were written or co-authored by former Alcatraz prisoners, e.g.: "Island in the Sun", the band's debut single from 1983, makes multiple lyrical references to Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Island in popular culture Alcatraz Island has appeared many times in popular culture. Its appeal as a picturesque film setting derives from its