Fort Point National Historic Site and San Francisco Rental Car
Located at the southern side of the Golden Gate at the entrance to San Francisco Bay, the Fort Point National Historic Site was originally used to defend San Francisco Bay against hostile warships. Visit this historic site today with your San Francisco rental car!
A little history
For nearly 150 years Fort Point has guarded the Golden Gate. Built between 1853 and 1861 by the US Army Engineers as a defense system Fort Point never did see battle although the building had tremendous significance due to its military history, it architecture and its association with maritime history. Following the Civil War,Fort Point was used mainly for army barracks. On October 16, 1970, Fort Point became a National Historic Site.
Preserving Fort Point
The American Institute of Architects proposed preserving the fort for its outstanding military architecture in 1926. Unfortunately, funds were unavailable and the preservation effort failed. When plans for the Golden Gate Bride called for the forts removal in 1930s Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss redesigned the bridge in order to preserve the fort. Thus, when you visit with your San Francisco rental car today you will find that the fort is directly below the southern approach to the bridge, underneath an arch that supports the roadway. Preservation efforts were revived after World War II. On October 16, 1970, President Richard Nixon signed a bill creating Fort Point National Historic Site.
Leading the way
Guided tours are available for free of charge. Go at your own pace when you travel with your San Francisco rental car by grabbing a booklet available at the fort that provides information about the fort and its history. There is also the Fort History Tour by joining on of the staff members near the front entrance of the fort for a tour. You can learn about the soldiers lives, architecture, cannons, cuisine and lots more. The tour lasts about 30 minutes.
Getting a little hands on
There are also videos that you can view to learn more including the Building the Golden Gate Bridge Video and Guardians of the Golden Gate Video. Another special demonstration you should see when you go with your San Francisco rental car is the Cannon Loading Demonstration, in where a Napoleon 12 pounder field cannon is loaded. Once the demonstration is finished, visitors can get their own chance to try out their skills. Each drill usually takes about 30 minutes. The demonstration takes place at the small field cannon across the front entrance, at the green benches.
Fun for the kids
Kids will also have tons of fun when you travel to the Fort Point National Historic Site. The fort has interactive games that introduce kids to the Golden Gate National Parks and the environmental challenges park ranger deal with. Learn about the protected wildlife and the different ecosystems before you go with your San Francisco rental car.
In the neighborhood
When you come visit the San Francisco rental car dont forget to check out the area. There are several major attractions nearby including the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio of San Francisco, Muir Woods National Monument, Alcatraz Island and the Eugene ONeill National Historic Site.
Before you go
Fort Point National Historic Site is open Friday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required for Pier Crabbing in the summer and the Candlelight tour in the winter.
For more information on Fort Point National Historic Site when you visit with your San Francisco rental car visit their official website at www.nps.gov or call (415) 556 1693.
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