Land of Liberty Explorers

Overview

Fort Point is a retired U.S. military installation at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The Fort is part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and one of our favorite sites to visit in San Francisco! To visit the fort, drive north on Highway 101 toward the Golden Gate Bridge, but exit just before the bridge’s toll plaza. Take Long Avenue to Marine Drive. The fort is located at the end of Marine Drive.

Fort Point History

Soon after California was annexed in 1848, the United States began planning for the defense of San Francisco Bay. In 1853, the Army Corps of Engineers installed the first defenses at Fort Point and Alcatraz Island. Eventually, the U.S. Army built this three story “Third System” fort, similar to Fort Jefferson or Fort Sumter, at Fort Point. Fort Point did not see any action in the American Civil War, but after the war the military decided to move the garrison out of the fort due to heavy damage similar forts suffered. The fort was reconfigured to serve as a military detention facility during World War I, but no prisoners were housed at the fort.

There was discussion about demolishing the old fort for construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, but chief architect Joseph Strauss was determined to save the fort because it was an excellent example of brick masonry.

“While the old fort has no military value now, it remains nevertheless a fine example of the mason’s art….It should be preserved and restored as a national monument.”
Joseph Strauss

The fort found new life during World War II when the 6th U.S. Coast Artillery was stationed there to guard the entrance to the bay. After World War II, the Fort Point Museum Association stepped up efforts to preserve the fort, and in 1970, President Richard Nixon signed the bill that created Fort Point National Historic Site.

Visiting the Fort

Today, visitors can explore the grounds of Fort Point. We enjoyed seeing the views of the bay through the casemates where cannon barrels used to guard San Francisco Bay. While exploring the fort is fun, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge is amazing.

Fort Point Lighthouse

The existing lighthouse at Fort Point is the third light house at the site. The first was built in 1853, and was the second lighthouse on America’s west coast. The current lighthouse was constructed in 1864. Its light alternated between flashing white and red. The light is no longer active because the Golden Gate Bridge’s foundation blocks the light’s view to the bay, but it still a fantastic spot to photograph.