by Timothy D Heard

Created on: October 27, 2008   Last Updated: November 07, 2008

San Francisco's Presidio is a prominent site of U.S. culture and history dating back to the time period of the native Ohlone peoples. Today, it is a nationwide attraction for those who wish to delve into the roots of American history. The Presidio's colourful past presents an entertaining and educational experience for many Americans.

In 1776, the Spanish arrived in America to establish the northernmost outpost of their empire. Shortly after, they fell under Mexican rule and remained so until 1846 when the U.S. Army transformed it into a military post. Throughout it's lifetime, the Presidio has spent a total of 218 years serving as an army post and in 1994, it officially became a part of the Golden Gate National Recreational Area. It now prides itself on offering modern-day Americans a glimpse at a significant part of their history.

For centuries, many unique individuals within the region of the Presidio, have left a lasting impression on American history.

The love story of Nikolai Petrovich and Concepcion Marcela Arguello, famous because of it's controversy due to racial indifferences, took place here, and now continues to attract and intrigue many romantics.

Another famous personality from this region was Dana H. Crissy, a Major and Commander of the Mather Airfield in the early 1900's. He was one of a large group of pilots attempting the first transcontinental reliability and endurance airflight test. Major Crissy lost his life during this attempt, but because of his courage and dedication, the new Presidio Airfield was named in his honour, and today, still retains the name of Crissy Field.

Other famous personalities to emerge from the Presidio area include legendary "Buffalo Soldier", Charles Young, one of the very few black Military Officers to serve in the Segregated U.S. Army in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

These are just a few of the contributing characters of history depicting America's growth and originality. Other historical figures including William Thompkins, Alolphus Greely and Eda Blankhart Funston have also left their mark of fame on local heritage.

There are a number of significant and historical landmarks within the Presidio, all of which reflect the culture and history of America. Some of these sites include Crissy Field, Fort Point, a World War II memorial, The San Francisco National Cemetary and The Letterman Hospital. All of these sites are representative of America's many successes, failures and life-changing events.

The architecture within the Presidio area consists of buildings and stuctures whose designs range from original log cabins and Spanish Villas, to modern exhibition halls and churches. Many events are held within these various buildings. They play host to weddings, retreats, celebratory gatherings and conferences.

While visiting the Presidio, there are many attractions and activities available to guests and tourists. Within the Presidio are 11 miles of hiking trails, 14 miles of paved cycling trails, numerous waterfront locations for crabbing and fishing, and sports facilities which include a bowling alley, a golf course, athletic fields and tennis courts. There are outdoor educational classrooms for both children and adults, covering all present and historical aspects of the Presidio. A variety of guided tours are offered in an array of schedules, catering to many groups of different varieties.

. The inspiring natural history of The Presidio and the opportunity to observe, first-hand, a tangible piece of American history, make for both an entertaining and educational experience.

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