History & Historic Preservation at the Presidio

This land was and is part of the traditional territory of the Yelamu, a local tribe of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples.

Spain establishes the Presidio in order to guard the bay from other European powers and protect the nearby Mission San Francisco de Asís.

Mexico achieves its independence from Spain. The Presidio becomes a Mexican outpost.

During the Mexican-American War (1846-1848), the U.S. Army occupies the crumbling Presidio and begins using it as a post.

It gradually grows to be the largest Army post on the Pacific Coast, defending San Francisco and housing troops used in operations in the West.

It is a base for troops sent to the Philippines in the Spanish-American War and Philippine War, as the U.S. projects power across the Pacific.

The Army establishes Letterman General Hospital at the Presidio to treat the sick and injured returning from the Philippines.

After an earthquake, troops enter the city to maintain order and control fires, while medical personnel set up refugee camps and treat injured.

During World War I, the Army uses the post to train officers, organize new artillery and infantry units, and treat wounded men from the front.

The Army operates an air coast defense station at Crissy Field, exploring the role of aviation in coastal defense and reconnaissance.

The Golden Gate Bridge is constructed with access through the Presidio granted by the Army.

During World War II, the Western Defense Command, headquartered at the Presidio, is responsible for the defense of the West Coast.

Letterman General Hospital becomes the principal debarkation hospital for sick and wounded returning from the Pacific theater.

The Presidio is declared a National Historic Landmark District.

Legislation creating the Golden Gate National Recreational Area includes a provision for the Presidio to join it if the Army departs.

The Base Realignment and Closure Commission deems the Presidio to be excess to the military’s needs. Planning to make it a park begins.

The Presidio joins the national park system as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Congress creates the Presidio Trust to manage the Presidio together with NPS and with the support of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy and the National Park Service unveil restored open spaces at Crissy Field.

The Presidio Trust Management Plan is published.

The Presidio adopts a plan for creating a trails system, which is built over the next two decades.

Organizations bring new life to the Main Post, the Letterman District, Crissy Field, and the Public Health District.

As required by law, the Presidio Trust begins covering annual operating costs with funds earned primarily through leasing homes and workplaces.

The park’s most historic building, the Presidio Officers’ Club, reopens to the public.

The Willia​m Penn Mott, Jr. Presidio Visitor Center opens.

Presidio Tunnel Tops opens.

The Partnership for the Presidio maintains the Presidio as a Forever Park.