by Joan Mccord

Created on: October 30, 2008   Last Updated: January 07, 2012

A visit to the Presidio is a journey into living American history that evokes many emotions.

In its glory days, the Presidio was one of the premier military posts in the world. Today, it is filled with memories and reflections of this glory, poignant and unique momentos of those who made their homes there, some smiles and chuckles.

The cultural history extends back to the native Ohlone Indian people who seem to have originally inhabited the site, and continues to this day through the efforts of various private organizations who exhibit great care and concern.

The Presidio Property

The Presidio became a U.S. Army military base in 1846. The architecture reflects best examples of all stages of development, from early Mission to the present. Most structures are identified, and descriptions of the architecture and functions are most impressive, at the site where the structures stand to be seen and touched.

In 1994, The Presidio became a National Historic Landmark. Of the almost 1,500 acres, the Army developed what it needed, and left the remainder relatively untouched.

The climate, is of cool, fog-encased mornings and warm afternoons. Unusual plants and animals abound. Private associations study, protect, and share these botanical treasures.

The Presidio commands the entrance to the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco. Surprisingly, the fortifications are earthen, and were developed during the 1890's after masonry fortifications failed during the Civil War.

The southern entrance to San Francisco Bay has been defended by Fort Point since the Spanish occupation.

Fort Winfield Scott might have been named 'Fort Fuss and Feathers,' General Scott's nickname. It honors this hero of the War of 1812, a presidential candidate, and a commander who placed great emphasis on order and discipline.

Letterman Medical Center served from the Spanish-American war until 1995. It is named for Major Jonathan Letterman, a pioneer of military medicine. The evolution of military medicine from tents pitched among sand dunes to modern physical therapy, prosthetics, and care of military families is remarkable.

The World War II Memorial honors American service people lost or buried in United States Pacific waters. The bas-relief decorations depict Pegasus (winged horse) and Pisces (fish), traditionally used by mariners to guide them safely on their journey.

Buffalo Soldiers, the 9th Calvary who fought with Colonel Roosevelt at San Juan Hill, were housed at the Presidio. Their's is a particularly poignant story.

The airfield is named for Dana Crissy, whose ambition in the early 1900's was to prove air travel effective and safe. The landing strips are grass and ideal for the canvas-wing biplanes of the day, and the modern exercisers who now use the space.

Chapel of our Lady, renovated from the Civil War era, is a non-denominational chapel, now favored for private ceremonies. San Francisco National Cemetery is the resting place of heroes from the French and Indian War, and continues in use today.

Presidio Pet Cemetery is one of the more tender spots. Read the markers, and discover these were not military service animals in the traditional sense, but family pets, including parakeets, rabbits, goldfish, and some others, including unknowns.

A visit to the Presidio, virtually or in person, is a trip into history. You can only benefit from a step into this remarkable place that has been the site of so much military development and pride. This role continues as The Presidio is restored, revitalized, and moves into a renewed role under the direction of the National Park Service.

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