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Fort Point National Historic Site

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Fort Point National Historic Site

Fort Point was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861 to prevent entrance of a hostile fleet into San Francisco Bay.

The fort was designed to mount 126 massive cannons. Rushed to completion at the beginning of the Civil War, Fort Point was first garrisoned in February of 1861 by Company I, 3rd U.S. Artillery Regiment. The fort was occupied throughout the Civil War, but the advent of faster, more powerful rifled cannon made brick forts such as Fort Point obsolete. In 1886 the troops were withdrawn, and the last cannon were removed about 1900. The fort was then used for storage and training purposes for many years.

Between 1933 and 1937 the fort was used as a base of operations for the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. During World War II, Fort Point was occupied by about 100 soldiers who manned searchlights and rapid-fire cannon mounted atop the fort as part of the protection of a submarine net strung across the entrance to the Bay.

The Basics

Location:

In San Francisco, California

Hours:

Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Information:

415-556-1693

Headquarters:

415-561-4395

Directions

From the north of San Francisco, proceed over the Golden Gate Bridge on Highway 101 South, staying in the farthest right lane. After passing through the toll gate, take the first available exit to the right, continuing in a circle to the right, through an underpass, through the visitor parking lot, to a stop sign (Lincoln Blvd.), then turn left onto Lincoln Blvd. Follow the road for about 1/4 mile and turn left onto Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.

From the south, take Highway 101 North towards the Golden Gate Bridge, stay in the farthest right lane and take the "Last San Francisco Exit". Proceed through the parking lot to your right until you reach the stop sign (Lincoln Blvd.). Turn left and proceed to Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.

From the southeast, take 25th Avenue to Lincoln Blvd. Follow the road for about 1/4 mile and turn left onto Long Avenue and drive until it dead ends at the fort.

Climate

Fort Point is cold and windy most of the time. You can probably count on the temperature being at least 10° cooler that the current listing below. Spring and Fall generally offer the best weather. Dress warmly for your visit, with layers of clothing.

Link to our San Francisco Weather coverage for more information.

Fees

No Fees.

Reservations

Reservations are required for Pier Crabbing (summer) and the Candlelight (winter).

Things To Do

Cannon Loading Demonstration - Learn how soldiers were taught to load and fire a Napoleon 12-pounder cannon during a Civil War artillery drill.
Fort Point, Guardian of the Golden Gate - View the award-winning 30-minute video program about the history of Fort Point, from 1776 through World War II. Shown throughout the day in the theater.
Building the Golden Gate Bridge - View the construction of this national civil engineering landmark in a videotape made by Bethlehem Steel Company.

Exhibits

Ready & Forward - Equality for the Buffalo Soldiers was always an issue. These brave men fought for the same beliefs as others did, but usually didn't receive the same kind of respect. Look into the struggle of African-American soldiers in a society that had difficulties accepting them.
Women at War - The roles of women during the Civil War, let alone in the military, have changed over the years. See how truly significant women were during the wars and how much more they helped rather then hindered us.
The Lights of Fort Point - Over the centuries, three lighthouses have stood at Fort Point. Learn how sailors depended on these beacons to guide their way into the bay and about the lives of the keepers and their families at this once remote site.
Constructing the Golden Gate Bridge - This photo exhibit depicts the process involved in the construction of the bridge, while using Fort Point as the base headquarters.

The "Ready & Forward", "Women at War", and "Lights of Fort Point" exhibits are located on the second floor of the fort (south end). The "Constructing the Golden Gate Bridge" exhibit is located on the third floor, also on the south end of the fort. There is also a museum about the fort's construction on the first floor.

Guided Tours

Fort History Tour:
Join one of our staff members near the front entrance of the fort for a tour. Learn about the soldiers' lives, architecture, cannons, cuisine and lots more. Tours last about 30-minutes.

Guardians of the Golden Gate Video:
This 17-minute video can be seen in the theater adjacent to the Fort Point Bookstore. This short documentary video will provide you with an understanding of the history of Fort Point.

Building the Golden Gate Bridge Video:
This 28-minute video, produced by the Bethlehem Steel Company, is an interesting look into the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Unlike other videos about the bridge, this video not only contains footage taken during construction, but relates the story of the steel company and construction workers that built the bridge.

Cannon Loading Demonstration:
Join a member of our staff and learn about the Napoleon 12-pounder field cannon. Afterwards, you and other visitors can demonstrate the loading techniques you learned. Meet at the small field cannon across the front entrance, at the green benches. Drills usually take about 30-minutes.

Seasonal Programs

Please be advised that the following programs do require reservations in advance. For some, reservations should be made at least a month ahead due to the limited space available. Reservations can only be made over the phone by calling (415) 556-1693. Dates of each can be found in the Schedule of events.

Fort Point Candlelight Tour
Months available:
November through February

Available Days:
Saturday Evenings Only

The park begins taking reservations September 1st.

Join the ranger for a tour of Fort Point in a different light. Space is limited, so please call in advance. Please, due to the limited space, be considerate of others by not reserving for friends or groups. Family groups of no more than six. This program may not be suited for children under the age of 10. Remember that once the fort doors close and the program begins, they will not be able to leave until the program is over. No reservations for this program are taken until the dates have been published in the fall and winter editions of Park News.

You may want to bring a flashlight just in case, if you need to use the portable toilets outside the fort.

For the next available dates for the Candlelight Tours please check the Fall and Winter Issues of Park News.

To make reservations for this and other programs please call
(415) 556-1693.

Pier Crabbing Demonstration
Months available: March through October
Available Days: Saturday Mornings 10 a.m. to Noon.

Join the staff for an inside look into the techniques of pier crabbing. You will be loaned the equipment needed to put your newly learned skills to the test. Program includes information on types of crabs that are legally taken and other regulations. Due to the limited space reservations are required.

Nearby Attractions

National Park Service Areas

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Presidio of San Francisco, 0.5 miles
Muir Woods National Monument, 12 miles
Alcatraz Island, 5 miles
Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site, 30 miles
Point Reyes National Seashore, 60 miles
John Muir National Historic Site, 40 miles

Link to our San Francisco Attractions coverage for more information.

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