Angel Island: A History of Quarantine, Militarist Imperialism and Immigrant Exclusion – By James Dexter-Lee (Zoom event)

Explore this unique history of Angel Island with park volunteer, maritime worker and activist James Dexter-Lee.

Angel Island, the largest island in San Francisco Bay, today is a popular California State Park.  Located strategically inside the Golden Gate, at the nexus of San Pablo Bay to the north and the central harbor, Angel Island has a beautiful natural landscape and unparalleled views of the Bay. In this presentation we focus on the cultural, military, political and economic aspects of its human history through a critical lens, looking at racism, imperialism and public health policy as practiced on the island.  Angel Island’s legacy is a story that accompanies not only the history of the San Francisco Bay Area and California but also the military, political, economic and social legacy of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.

This presentation lasts approximately one hour. But it can last as long as participants have questions or comments. It includes a pre-recorded and edited walk of the island showcasing historic sites on the island and juxtaposes historic photos to give a virtual tour of this very important historic location in San Francisco Bay. It is followed up with a live online question and answer meeting.
Angel Island, the largest island in San Francisco Bay, today is a popular California State Park. Located strategically inside the Golden Gate, at the nexus of San Pablo Bay to the north and the central harbor, Angel Island has a beautiful natural landscape and unparalleled views of the Bay. In this presentation we focus on the cultural, military, political and economic aspects of its human history through a critical lens, looking at racism, imperialism and public health policy as practiced on the island. Angel Island’s legacy is a story that accompanies not only the history of the San Francisco Bay Area and California but also the military, political, economic and social legacy of the United States in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Locations and themes begin with the history of Native Americans and their uses of the island, the Spanish and Mexican conquest and the subsequent American occupation and genocide in the Gold Rush and through the latter half of the 19th century; Imperialism and Angel Island at war (Civil War to Cold War-Camp Reynolds, Ft. McDowell and the Nike Missile Site), Chinese Exclusion and the U.S. Immigration Station (Labor & Racism), and the Marine Hospital Service (Quarantine Station), which includes the fight against the bubonic plague and the use of quarantine as a racialized weapon in immigration policy.
Explore this unique history of Angel Island with park volunteer James Dexter-Lee; island resident, former state park employee, maritime worker, amateur historian and activist.
Date and Time: July 29, 2020 7:00PM
Questions: jmsdxtr@gmail.com