Mysteries of the Abandoned Season 10 Episode 8 Hidden Hell of Angel Island
- TVPG
- July 15, 2022
- 42 min
In this episode of Mysteries of the Abandoned, we explore Angel Island off the coast of California, a former military installation and immigration point. Known as the "Ellis Island of the West," the island is now abandoned and shrouded in mystery.
Beginning in the late 1800s, Angel Island served as a processing center for immigrants coming to the United States from Asia. They were detained on the island as part of the Chinese Exclusion Act, which prohibited Chinese laborers from entering the country. The detention facilities on Angel Island were notoriously harsh, with detainees enduring months or even years of confinement in awful living conditions. To this day, many of the detainees' writings and artworks are still preserved on the walls of the detention center.
However, the island's history extends beyond its use as an immigration point. During World War II, Angel Island served as a military base, with soldiers stationed there to protect the San Francisco Bay. The island's tunnels were used as bunkers, while the rest of the island was converted into a training ground and medical facility.
Despite the island's important role in American history, today it lies in ruins. In this episode, we explore the abandoned detention center and military base and uncover the secrets hidden within. Using cutting-edge technology, we take a close look at the graffiti and murals left behind by the detainees. We also investigate the underground tunnels, exploring hidden passageways and discovering artifacts from the military's time on the island.
But our exploration is not without risks. Angel Island is known for its treacherous terrain, and our team must navigate steep cliffs and crumbling structures in order to uncover the island's secrets. As we journey deeper into the island's heart, we encounter challenges and unexpected obstacles that put our safety at risk.
Ultimately, this episode of Mysteries of the Abandoned offers a unique glimpse into an important piece of American history. By uncovering the secrets of Angel Island, we gain a better understanding of the struggles and experiences of Chinese immigrants and American soldiers alike. And despite the dangers we face, we are reminded of the importance of preserving our past for future generations.