In the early statehood era, the “free state” of California allowed multiple forms of slavery, posing difficult questions for how to honor that history.
The tunnels were not dug by prisoners, though — they’re from the Gold Rush era when the island was a military outpost.
James “Butt” Riley claimed he had “the hardest head in all Christendom,” and proved it by battering down doors and people with his impervious…
