McNeil Island: A Photographic History of Washington's Prison Community
McNeil Island presents a fascinating visual history of one of Washington State's most unique locations. This hardcover historical book documents the remarkable dual existence of McNeil Island—simultaneously a maximum-security prison facility and a thriving residential community along Puget Sound.
Inside This Historical Documentation
This Images of America series volume reveals the untold story of McNeil Island through carefully curated historical photographs and detailed narratives. The book chronicles the island's evolution through territorial, federal, and state prison systems, featuring the compelling stories of notorious inmates including mobsters, politicians, infamous killers, and bank robbers who were incarcerated on this isolated island.
Beyond the prison walls and security wire, the book captures the daily lives of pioneer residents and prison staff families who called McNeil Island home. These families maintained normal routines—attending school, building community, and experiencing island life—all while anchored by the constant presence of the prison system.
Author Expertise
Authored by Ann M. Burkly and Steve W. Dunkelberger, this historical account draws from authentic firsthand experience and extensive research. Burkly lived on McNeil Island and attended school there, gaining direct insight into the unique dynamics of this prison-community hybrid. Her master's degree research focused specifically on the island, and she founded the McNeil Island Historical Society to preserve this distinctive Pacific Northwest history.
Dunkelberger brings two decades of journalism experience in the Puget Sound region, along with established expertise in local history documentation through multiple published works on Washington State communities.
Pacific Northwest Prison History
This Arcadia Publishing Library Edition belongs to the acclaimed Images of America series, known for documenting local and regional history through vintage photographs and carefully researched text. The book offers researchers, history enthusiasts, and Pacific Northwest residents a comprehensive look at a correctional facility that operated for over a century while simultaneously supporting a residential population.
The photographic collection captures the lush natural beauty of the island environment, the architectural evolution of prison facilities, and the human stories that unfolded in this extraordinary setting. McNeil Island provides essential documentation of Washington State's criminal justice history and the unique social experiment of prison island communities.
Burkly, Ann Kane: - Ann M. Burkly lived on McNeil Island and attended school there. Living on the lush island and interacting with prisoners gave her a deep appreciation for life, nature, and humanity. A historian, Ann has published articles in academic papers and blogs about McNeil. Her master's degree focused on the island, and Ann founded the McNeil Island Historical Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving McNeil's unique history. Steve W. Dunkelberger, a journalist in the Puget Sound region for two decades, is also a noted historian and author of local histories, including two other Arcadia Publishing titles concerning the city of Lakewood.
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McNeil Island: A Photographic History of Washington's Prison Community
McNeil Island presents a fascinating visual history of one of Washington State's most unique locations. This hardcover historical book documents the remarkable dual existence of McNeil Island—simultaneously a maximum-security prison facility and a thriving residential community along Puget Sound.
Inside This Historical Documentation
This Images of America series volume reveals the untold story of McNeil Island through carefully curated historical photographs and detailed narratives. The book chronicles the island's evolution through territorial, federal, and state prison systems, featuring the compelling stories of notorious inmates including mobsters, politicians, infamous killers, and bank robbers who were incarcerated on this isolated island.
Beyond the prison walls and security wire, the book captures the daily lives of pioneer residents and prison staff families who called McNeil Island home. These families maintained normal routines—attending school, building community, and experiencing island life—all while anchored by the constant presence of the prison system.
Author Expertise
Authored by Ann M. Burkly and Steve W. Dunkelberger, this historical account draws from authentic firsthand experience and extensive research. Burkly lived on McNeil Island and attended school there, gaining direct insight into the unique dynamics of this prison-community hybrid. Her master's degree research focused specifically on the island, and she founded the McNeil Island Historical Society to preserve this distinctive Pacific Northwest history.
Dunkelberger brings two decades of journalism experience in the Puget Sound region, along with established expertise in local history documentation through multiple published works on Washington State communities.
Pacific Northwest Prison History
This Arcadia Publishing Library Edition belongs to the acclaimed Images of America series, known for documenting local and regional history through vintage photographs and carefully researched text. The book offers researchers, history enthusiasts, and Pacific Northwest residents a comprehensive look at a correctional facility that operated for over a century while simultaneously supporting a residential population.
The photographic collection captures the lush natural beauty of the island environment, the architectural evolution of prison facilities, and the human stories that unfolded in this extraordinary setting. McNeil Island provides essential documentation of Washington State's criminal justice history and the unique social experiment of prison island communities.
Burkly, Ann Kane: - Ann M. Burkly lived on McNeil Island and attended school there. Living on the lush island and interacting with prisoners gave her a deep appreciation for life, nature, and humanity. A historian, Ann has published articles in academic papers and blogs about McNeil. Her master's degree focused on the island, and Ann founded the McNeil Island Historical Society, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving McNeil's unique history. Steve W. Dunkelberger, a journalist in the Puget Sound region for two decades, is also a noted historian and author of local histories, including two other Arcadia Publishing titles concerning the city of Lakewood.
