Fort Point National Historic Site

A historical and architectural landmark, a field trip spot and a bygone military vantage point, Fort Point National Historic Site, situated right below the southern anchorage of the Golden Gate Bridge has all the highlights under its sleeves. Originally erected to protect the harbor during the American Civil War, the fort was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1853 and 1861.

In 1970, the brick fort built in the “Third System” architectural style was declared as a National Historic Site remembered for its captivating beauty and fortitude. Often referred to as the “Pride of the Pacific”, Fort Point has served San Francisco with its fortification throughout Gold Rush as well as the World War II, thus keeping the foreign or political threat at check.

Fort Point is cherished for its unparalleled view-point and has now become both a recreational and tourist spot offering ranger-guided tours, candlelight tours and cannon drills. It also conducts annual Civil-War re-enactments and parades, crabbing programs and environmental educational programs. Acclaimed as Guardian of the Golden Gate, Fort Point also has a bookstore and puts exhibitions showcasing the historical artifacts, database and photography of the African-American soldier troops, Women in American military, the 19th century ammunition and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.