Fort Point before the Golden Gate Bridge

Fort Point, located at the southern side of the Golden Gate at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, has a rich history dating back to its construction in the mid-19th century. By 1908, Fort Point had already played a significant role in the defense of San Francisco Bay.

Originally built between 1853 and 1861, Fort Point was designed to protect the bay from potential naval attacks. The fort's construction involved blasting the cliff down to 15 feet from its original 90 feet and building seven-foot-thick walls. The fort was armed with cannons and served as a key military installation during the Civil War.

In 1908, Fort Point was still under the control of the United States Army. Although the fort's cannons had been removed by 1900, it continued to serve as a military post. After the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the fort provided supplies, relief, and temporary camps for those affected by the disaster.

Today, Fort Point is a National Historic Site and a popular tourist destination, offering a glimpse into San Francisco's military history and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge.