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Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Fort Point National Historic Site |
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PO Box 29333, Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129-0333
Phone: 415-556-1693 or 415-556-0505
Fax: 415-556-8474
Open All Year
Overview. This 19th-century fort is located near the south end of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was built between 1853 and 1861, and is located at the site of an old Spanish fort. The U.S. Army occupied the fort until the turn of the century to prevent the intrusion of hostile forces into the San Francisco Bay. No invasion was ever attempted and no fighting occurred.
Constructed of brick and granite, Fort Point's design was influenced by French engineer Simon Bernard and U.S. Army engineer Joseph Totten. Fort Point is similar to Fort Sumter in Charleston, SC, Fort Pulaski in Savannah, GA, and about thirty other forts on the East Coast.
Fort Point became technically obsolete during the Civil War with the development of rifled artillery and ironclad ships. It was disarmed at the turn of the century and the troops were moved out after the 1906 earthquake. It was used for various purposes after that, including headquarters for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. In World War II, it served another military purpose, when the Army used it as part of an antisubmarine defense post. Rapid-fire guns were mounted on top of the fort to guard against submarine entry.
What to see and do. You can take a self-guided tour of the fort's four levels: the Sally Port, the Second and Third Tiers, and the Barbette Tier. A point of interest is the former officers' quarters on the Second Tier, which is now dedicated to two memorial exhibits. "Ready and Forward" offers a history of the African-American soldier from the Revolutionary War to Vietnam. "Women at War" presents a history of women's contributions during wartime.
You can also view the Fort Point Lighthouse on the upper level, which was no longer used after the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge interfered with the light, which could at one time be seen from ten to 12 miles at sea. Other exhibits include displays of soldiers' uniforms and gear, artillery, and a restored powder magazine. Programs are given throughout the day and include a video on the fort's history, cannon drill demonstrations, and tours of the fort. Also available is an audio tour on "The Life of a Soldier at Fort Point." Program times are posted at the fort's entrance.
A bookstore is located at the site and offers a selection of publications about the fort's history. Anglers are welcome to crab and fish in the Bay.
Some activities held at the fort are cannon drills and candlelight tours. The park is open daily, 10 AM to 5 PM. Exit Highway 101 at the bridge, turn left on Lincoln Boulevard, then turn left on Long Ave. Travel one-third of a mile to the site. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
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