Early history Presidio of San Francisco

california historical landmark marker presidio



the presidio in 1817



battery chamberlin

the presidio spanish fort sited juan bautista de anza on march 28, 1776, built party led josé joaquín moraga later year. in 1783, presidio s garrison numbered 33 men.

upon mexican independence spain, briefly operated mexican fortification.

the presidio seized u.s. military in 1846, @ start of mexican-american war. officially re-opened americans in 1848 , became home several army headquarters , units, last being united states 6th army. several famous u.s. generals, such william sherman, george henry thomas, , john pershing, made homes here.

during long history, presidio involved in of america s military engagements in pacific. importantly, assembly point army forces invaded philippines in spanish-american war, america s first major military engagement in asia/pacific region.

beginning in 1890s, presidio home letterman army medical center (lamc), named in 1911 jonathan letterman, medical director of civil war era army of potomac. lamc provided thousands of war-wounded high quality medical care during every foreign conflict of 20th century.

one of last 2 remaining cemeteries within city s limits san francisco national cemetery. among military personnel interred there general federick funston, hero of spanish–american war, philippine–american war, , commanding officer of presidio @ time of 1906 earthquake; , general irvin mcdowell, union army commander defeated confederates in first battle of bull run.

the marine hospital operated cemetery merchant seamen approximately 100–250 yards (91–229 m) hospital property. based on city municipal records, historians estimate cemetery in use 1885 1912. part of trails forever initiative, parks conservancy, national park service, , presidio trust partnered build walking trail along south side of site featuring interpretive signage history.

the presidio center defense of western u.s. during world war ii. infamous order intern japanese-americans, including citizens, during world war ii signed @ presidio. until closure in 1995, presidio longest continuously operated military installation in united states.