In July 1946, after serving the military for a variety of purposes, the Army declared Angel Island surplus and eventually transferred ownership to the State of California for park, recreational, and historical purposes.
The Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco Bay served as the main immigration facility on the West Coast of the United States from 1910 to 1940. It's shown here in 1935.
Angel Island is an easy day trip and a great way to spend some time outdoors away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hiking, biking, and photography are its three key activities as you visit some of the historical buildings.
Angel Island is known for several reasons with a rich history: Native American hunting and fishing grounds, 1800s California cattle ranching, Civil War forts, and more. But most of all it is known for acting as an Immigration Station for the U.S. from 1910-1940 then as a detention center during World War II.