Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point left center
Tucked underneath the Golden Gate Bridge is a military fort once so important to the Bay Area that the bridge was designed and built around it.
Today it is a national and state historical landmark, the site of tours and recreation.
Fort Point and Golden Gate Bridge
In 1853 the fort was strategically built at the entrance to the San Francisco Bay to withstand any foreign attack. It first served to protect during the Gold Rush of the 1850s, then later when the Civil War broke out.
Built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, there were seven-foot-thick walls; concrete fortifications; steel, breech-loading rifled guns; and 103 of the most formidable cannons of the time.
Fort Point entrance
A shot was never fired and an attack never came, but over the years the fort would be used for various military needs.
Interestingly, this major military fortification hosted a family Halloween event last week, featuring a children’s costume parade. Part of the mosaic of living in the 21st century.
More info at Wikipedia and National Park Service.
Fisherman at Fort Point
In the 1930s during the design phase of the bridge, there was much debate about what to do with the fort. Joseph Strauss, the lead engineer, recommended the bridge be built around the fort, so that is what was done.
Many movies and television shows have been filmed at this picturesque site, the most popular being Hitchcock’s “Vertigo” when Kim Novak jumped into the water and Jimmy Stewart rescued her.
Watch for another thrilling scene that takes place at Fort Point, in my new book available in a few days.
Photo credit: Athena Alexander
San Francisco Bay from Fort Point
Jet Eliot 
Very cool. I watched Vertigo on the 30th.
I watched Vertigo again recently too, Craig. Lots of SF and Bay Area scenes, and such a great movie. Thanks for your visit, my friend~~
Though never having been there, the fact that you reminded me that “Vertigo” featured the place helps to put me there- – at least in “screen” mode!
I’m glad the Vertigo reference helped, Alastair. I considered leaving the Hollywood element out, but it is a special historical feature of Ft. Point; and now I’m glad I included it. Many thanks!
Although I have been to and over the Golden Gate Bridge quite a few times I have never visited the Fort. I love the fact that Vertigo was filmed there and more recently a children’s Halloween parade…that’s wonderful….but most of all I love the fact that your new book is about to be released…I will definitely be purchasing.. Fantastic news. Very cold in London at the moment and so good weather to be painting indoors. Hope you have a lovely Monday and week ahead. Janet:)
Thank you so much, Janet, for your thoughtful comments and sentiments. I am really excited, too, about the new release of my book. It is three years in the making and a milestone for me. I really appreciate your unwavering support. I hope your week indoors painting is colorful and lively.
Awesome post Jet ~ I really enjoyed that spot by the Fort. The views are some of the best. Best wishes for when your book comes out!
It’s a little difficult to find the entrance to Fort Point, but, as you know, great views once you find it. Many thanks, Mary, for your kind words and wishes.
It’s so great that it is still used today! Whoa, when the Army Corps of Engineers build a structure, it really stands the test of time, eh?!
I thought of you, GP, while researching the building of this Fort. It’s so solid it withstood the 1906 EQ! Thanks so much~~
I remember visiting the fort there and I enjoyed hearing more about it now in your post, Jet! You also brought back a wonderful travel day for me in my mind xx
I am delighted to have revived a great day and a great visit for you, Christy — thanks so much for your comment.
Loving that vantage point Jet. Interesting how the bridge was built around it. Seems like a very cooperative arrangement in the end.
Hi Sue. Yes, great vantage point, great views and sea air too. Thanks for your visit, and have a wonderful week.
Interesting info on the fort and subsequent bridge. Lovely photos too! Congratulations on your new upcoming book, I’m sure it’ll be a success!
Thank you Donna. I’m delighted you liked the post today, and really appreciate your encouraging words.
Such a scenic spot, and an interesting history too! Happy memories!
Excitement is mounting here at PlaidCamper Towers as we await publication of your new book…
Have a great week!
You are a funny man, PC, and you always make me laugh. Sending smiles and happy wishes to Plaid camper Towers!
“Vertigo” was tremendous hit, great film, I’m a fan of Bernard Herrmann who wrote the background music! My congratulations on your book my friend! My very best wished to you! 🙂
Vertigo was such a classic, many folks play-act that scene at Ft. Point. ha. Many thanks for the congrats and continued support, HJ.
Congrats on your new book, Jet! And the Golden Gate looks amazing, I hope to see it myself someday!
Thank you so much, Indah. You are such an avid adventurer, my prediction is you will see the Golden Gate one day.
Hope to read GGG soon
I know you will enjoy reading about the places in SF that you have visited. Many thanks Bill.
Wonderful book cover and I’m looking forward to reading your new book. What an exciting time for you and amazing accomplishment. Congratulations!!
I am very happy to have completed it, ACI. Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words.
Wow! congratulations on your new book, Jet! 🙂 I hope to see the Golden Gate Bridge again someday. 🙂
I hope you do see the Golden Gate Bridge someday, Lola; it is very grand. But until then I will be doing quite a few SF posts to highlight scenes in my new mystery, to give you a good glimpse of the bridge and the city. Thanks so very much~~
Nice lead in to your release ! You can’t beat the Golden Gate bridge for intrigue and mystery.
The Golden Gate, and San Francisco too, have a good deal of intrigue and mystery, you’re so right, Jan. Thanks so much for your supportive words~~
It’s a beautiful setting…but methinks there’s a mystery afoot!
hahaha. Methinks you are right, Nan! Thanks so much for that chuckle today~~
Thanks for the lovely revisit to one of my favorite spots. I keep thinking I need to figure out this Kindle thing. I don’t suppose there’s a way to read your book on good old-fashioned paper?
Hi Gunta. I’m glad you’be been to Ft.Point. Good news! My new book, Golden Gate Graveyard, will be in good ‘ol fashioned paperback (and digital too). When it comes out (soon), I will have links on my WP post. Enjoy!
Wow, that’s an interesting place! I have this idea to use the fort as housing since the housing market in SF is so crazy expensive 😀 But at last, the kids had a great time during the Halloween there 🙂
Your book sounds intriguing! I love the idea to use historical places in a book! I will take a look and thanks so much for informative post..I have to visit SF someday!!
So glad you leaped on this link, Indah, and found Ft. Point. It’s a fun place, and a good venue for when you do visit SF. In the meantime, I know a great book that has loads of SF in it…lol. Glad you were intrigued. Many thanks–
I will include it for sure! Btw..I am about to send you an email actually..it’s the link of your book cover to your book in Amazon does not work 😦
I’ll find you in the email, thanks, Indah.