Is there a navy base in San Francisco?

Is There a Navy Base in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a vibrant and iconic city in California, known for its Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and steep hills. But beneath the surface of this cosmopolitan metropolis lies a rich history of naval involvement. Yes, there are two navy bases in San Francisco: Treasure Island Naval History Museum and the Presidio of San Francisco, which once served as an active naval base.

Treasure Island Naval History Museum

The Treasure Island Naval History Museum is a part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). The museum is situated on Treasure Island, which was originally intended to be a naval training facility and a site for the Golden Gate International Exposition, held in 1939-1940. Today, the museum showcases the history of the United States Navy’s activities in the Golden Gate, from the California Gold Rush to the present day.

Key Attractions and Exhibits

• The museum features several exhibits on the history of the United States Navy’s presence in the Golden Gate, including:

  • The role of the US Navy during the California Gold Rush
  • The development of the Navy’s base in San Francisco and the role it played during World War II
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  • The history of naval aviation in the Golden Gate

• Visitors can also explore the Submarine Pioneer, a decommissioned submarine from the early 20th century that is now converted into a museum ship.

The Presidio of San Francisco

The Presidio of San Francisco, located just north of downtown San Francisco, was established in 1776 and has served as a strategic military installation for over 200 years. During its long history, the Presidio has been under the control of the United States Army, United States Navy, and the National Park Service.

Early Years: Spanish and Mexican Rule

• The Presidio was originally built by Spanish colonizers, who wanted to protect San Francisco Bay from Russian exploration and trade.
• The Presidio remained under Spanish and Mexican control until the California Gold Rush brought a wave of American settlers to the region.

Navy Era (1836-1937)

• In 1836, the Presidio became a United States Navy base, with the intention of supporting the US Coast Survey.
• During this period, the Presidio served as a shipyard, a naval storehouse, and a coast guard station.
• Golden Gate (the strait of San Francisco Bay) and Fort Point, a fortified structure at the entrance of the Golden Gate, played a crucial role in naval defense.

Timeline of Events

Conclusion

There are indeed two navy bases in San Francisco: the Treasure Island Naval History Museum, which serves as a fascinating museum, and the Presidio of San Francisco, a historic military base that played a significant role in naval defense. Visiting these sites offers an insight into the rich history of naval involvement in the Golden Gate and the Presidio’s evolution as a military installation. For history enthusiasts and naval buffs, these sites are a must-see destination in the heart of San Francisco.

In Summary

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• The Treasure Island Naval History Museum showcases the history of the US Navy’s presence in the Golden Gate.
• The Presidio of San Francisco, once a US Navy base, was a strategic military installation with a long history of defense and fortification.
• Both sites offer a fascinating glimpse into the naval heritage of San Francisco and are must-visit destinations for history enthusiasts.