Under the Golden Gate Bridge by danapommet
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Description
As many times as I had driven over the Golden Gate Bridge, I did not know that there was a fort underneath. Fort Point is located at the southern side, of the Golden Gate, at the entrance to San Francisco Bay. This fort was completed just before the American Civil War, to defend San Francisco Bay against hostile warships. The fort is now protected as Fort Point National Historic Site.
In 1769 Spain occupied the San Francisco area and by 1776 had established the areas first European settlement. To protect against encroachment by the British and Russians, Spain fortified the cliff, at the narrowest part of the bay's entrance, where Fort Point now stands. Fort Castillo de San Joaquin was built in 1794. Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, gained control of the region and the fort. Following the Mexican American War, California was annexed by the US and became a state in 1850. The gold rush of 1849 had caused rapid settlement of the area, which was recognized as commercially and strategically valuable to the US. Military officials soon recommended a series of fortifications to secure San Francisco Bay including Fort Point which was completed in 1861.
Troops moved out of Fort Point after the US Civil War and it was never again continuously occupied by the Army. In 1882 Fort Point was officially named Fort Winfield Scott but name never caught on. Soldiers from the 6th US Coast Artillery were stationed there during World War II to guard minefields and the anti submarine net that spanned the Golden Gate. Plans for the Golden Gate Bridge, in the 1930s, called for the fort's removal but Chief Engineer Joseph Strauss redesigned the bridge to save the fort. The fort is situated directly below the southern approach to the bridge, underneath an arch that supports the roadway. There is a lighthouse built into the walls of the fort (upper right). Scanned from an old photo. Info from Wilipedia.
Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments. They are very much appreciated.
Dana
Comments (38)
Faemike55
This is just so cool! I never knew about this until today thanks for the photo and information
eekdog
never seen or heard of this myself dana, many thanks for sharing the info and shot..
Richardphotos
I seen the sign, but with limited time, I wanted to do the bridge. very interesting subject. I always like old forts
jayfar
A fantastic shot and a fabulous history lesson Dana. Thanks for the brilliant e-mails.
durleybeachbum
Just fascinating, Dana!
emmecielle
Fantastic image! :)
alanwilliams
an amazing structure with info to match
mgtcs
Splendid capture Dana, excellent structure and perspective! Thanks for the information!
Sea_Dog
Nice shot and very interesting historical information. Well done.
flavia49
wonderful capture and info
psyoshida
First, Happy Belated Birthday Dana! I hope you had the best birthday ever!. Sorry I missed it. I never knew of the fort either how cool! Spectacular shot. I love bridges this is my favorite just after the Brooklyn Bridge. Wonderful!
kbrog
The bottom kind of reminds me of the Coliseum in Rome. :) Excellent composition and capture! :)
blinkings
Well I've only driven over it a handful of times in my life, but had no idea there was a fort underneath it either! Super post Dana.
weesel
Great shot and great write up. Visited there ages ago. Very windy. Always wondered why one end of the bridge just ended and the other had this peculiar arch. No arch = no fort. Thus a valuable heritage site was preserved.
sandra46
amazing view! great capture Dana and interesting info!
goodoleboy
OMG, I never knew there was a fort beneath the bridge. It's never been mentioned in any of the articles or documentaries I've seen or read about in re the Golden Gate Bridge. Fantastic foto and information, Dana. I like the Erector Set construction at the top of the picture.
pixeluna
Wow, never heard of this-- thank you for the information and the photo. Your gallery is a good source of information (as well as Dana Jr's.) :-)
npauling
Well how about that. This shows a very different side of the Golden Gate Bridge. I'm glad it has the fort to guard it.
jocko500
never know this also. lol not even the history channel have this. super shot too
whaleman
How about that! Who'da thunk?
dakotabluemoon
Wow thats really cool did u find any trolls under there lol.
jif3d
Always liked the bridge, now even more that I know about this little bit of history living below ! Thanx for the share & ~Cheers~
dochtersions
How very interesting all of it. And I love that wheels, Dana! It's an impressing shot.
pat40
Amazing pic.
bobrgallegos
Outstanding capture and narrative of this old fort!! Learned something today!!
Fidelity2
It is very cool. Thanks. 5+!
jendellas
Wow, fascinating, you learn something everyday. xx
Erestorfan
My goodness, in all the tidbits about the bridge I've seen never mentioned this!! Who knew? Well obviously a lot of people did, LOL, but I learned a lot from reading the information you provided. Thanks!!
drifterlee
This is really cool!
MagikUnicorn
COOOL INFO DANA AND UNUSUAL SHOT OF THIS BRIDGE...THANKS FOR THE PEAK