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From its vantage point overlooking the spectacular Golden Gate, Fort Point defended the San Francisco Bay following California's Gold Rush through World War II. Its beautifully arched casemates display the art of 3rd system brick masonry and interacts gracefully with the Golden Gate Bridge.
In San Francisco, this program lead to the construction of two batteries mounting the largest guns then in American arsenals: 16-inch caliber rifled guns mounted on high elevation carriages, capable of firing 2,100-pound projectiles nearly 26 miles.
While more than thirty such forts existed on the east coast, Fort Point was the only one of its kind on the Pacific. With the 1861 outbreak of the Civil War, the Army mounted the first fifty-five guns at Fort Point.
Fort Point was built between 1853 and 1861 by the U.S. Army Engineers as part of a defense system of forts planned for the protection of San Francisco Bay. Designed at the height of the Gold Rush, the Fort and its companion fortifications would protect the Bay's important commercial and military installations against foreign attack.
By 1905, twelve reinforced-concrete artillery batteries were built along the San Francisco headlands to supplement bay defenses. Presidio coast artillery units were stationed at Fort Scott, while cavalry and infantry troops were garrisoned on the Main Post.
Forts Baker, Barry and Cronkhite are excellent examples of early coastal defense structures, comprising 2,279 acres of uplands and tidelands along the north side of San Francisco Bay extending west from the Golden Gate Bridge out to the Pacific Ocean.
The only fortification of its type on the Pacific coast, Fort Point stands beneath the soaring Golden Gate Bridge. Video orientations, guided tours, self-guiding materials, exhibits, and publication sales are available. Visit the Fort Point site for more information and current operating hours.
Fort Point was built between 1853 and 1861 by the U.S. Army Engineers as part of a defense system of forts planned for the protection of San Francisco Bay. Designed at the height of the Gold Rush, the fort and its companion fortifications would protect the Bay's important commercial and military installations against foreign attack.
In San Francisco, this program lead to the construction of two batteries, Battery Davis and Battery Townsley, the largest guns then in American arsenals. Each were 16-inch caliber rifled guns mounted on high elevation carriages, capable of firing 2,100 pound projectiles nearly 26 miles.
Fort Schedule Open Thursday through Monday, 10:00am-5:00pm. Roof access closes at 4:30pm on days that Fort Point is open. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. The exterior of the fort can be accessed 7 days a week. Phone Public Information: (415) 561-4959 Location Long Ave & Marine Dr, San Francisco, CA 94129