Political Prison: Prisoners at Work

Site plan showing location of Political Prison on Alcatraz and the first jail below the guardhouse.

Now look at the white wooden building past the Sallyport, labeled "Electric Shop." Civil War Confederate sympathizers were held in a political prison located where this building is today. The political prison housed men who spoke out against the government, like C. L. Weller, the brother of a former California governor and the Chairman of the State Democratic Committee.

Should all people who are incarcerated be forced to work? What about political prisoners, elderly, or mentally ill?

Should they be punishment if they refuse to work?