Angel Island is rich in local history. The Miwoks used it
for thousands of years before the Spaniards arrived. Ayala Cove was the staging
area for the earliest water-based exploration of the bay area in
1775. Following many years of Spanish control of the island,
it served as both a military base and the site of two government
facilities (Quarantine and Immigration Stations) for nearly 100 years starting
in the mid-1800s. Many of the buildings from these times are still
standing, and docent-led tours are available. Please click on the links
above to learn more about our history.
For photos from
1918-19 taken by nurse stationed on Angel Island, go to the
McDowell Slideshow page. Some photos
are from the area we currently call Camp Reynolds, which was part of Fort
McDowell in that era.
Please note that all
government records from any office formerly stationed on the island were
removed by the agency years before Angel Island became a state park. If
you are searching for information about your relatives, please contact the
appropriate agency directly, as the park has no information to help you.
