San Francisco - Fort Point National Historic Site

Fort Point lies below the Golden Gate Bridge just a few minutes walk from Toll Plaza. It was built between 1853 and 1861 to protect San Francisco from attack but its 600-strong garrison and 120 cannon never fired a shot in anger, only in ceremonial salute.

The fort was evacuated in 1896. Between 1933 and 1937 it was used for site works during construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

In the Second World War about 100 soldiers were stationed there.

In 1970 the U.S. Congress declared Fort Point a National Historic Site, since then it has been gradually restored. As one of the earliest military buildings in the American West it is well worth a visit, especially if advantage is taken of one of the free daily guided tours. The fort is said to have been, in the 19th century, the largest brick structure west of the Mississippi.