8. Fort Point

Fort Point is a nineteenth century defensive fortification located on the shoreline of the Golden Gate, which is the strait that connects San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The structure was only lightly damaged by the earthquake, but the fort and the land around it were used as a refuge center in the aftermath.

“Giving Clothing, Fort Point” Photo by Pillsbury Picture Co., via Library of Congress

Fort Point still exists today and is now open to the public as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. However, its visual context was greatly altered in the 1930s with the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge immediately adjacent to it. A little like New York’s Jeffrey’s Hook Lighthouse next to the George Washington Bridge, the bridge dwarfs the once imposing looking fort.

Next, read about the architecture of San Francisco’s Civic Center, SF’s Chinatown in the 21st century, and Vernon Howe Bailey’s drawings of New York City. Contact the author at @Jeff_Reuben