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 cannon. 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 In 1886 the troops were withdrawn, and the last cannon were removed about 1900.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.

Fort Point is the only third system brick fort on the west coast of the United States. It became a National Historic Site on October 16th, 1970.

PO Box 29333
Presidio of San Francisco, CA 94129-0333
(415) 556-1693 - Visitor Information
(415) 561-4395 - Headquarters

By Car
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.

By Plane
San Francisco MUNI buses 28 & 29 stop at the Golden Gate Toll Plaza area. There is a path that leads down to the fort. For more information about bus routes in the bay area call (415) 817-1717.

Summer months can be cold, with the fog rolling into San Francisco Bay.
> Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation.
> Spring and Fall generally offer the best weather. Dress warmly for your visit, with layers of clothing, and good walking shoes.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Boating
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Nature Walks
• Kayaking

Recommended Activities
There is a cannon loading demonstration, where visitors get a "hands-on" opportunity to learn about the firing of Civil War artillery.
Tours of the fort are led by one of the staff on a daily basis. If that's not something you're interested in perhaps you may want to try the audio tour of the fort. You can rent these headsets from the Fort Point Bookstore and wander through the fort at your own pace. For more information on the bookstore or the audio tour, please feel free to call (415) 673-5642.