Presidio of San Francisco in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Braving Wind and Waves
Fort Point Life-Saving Station
Photographed By Jo Solorzano, November 30, 2015
1. Braving Wind and Waves Marker
Finding a Safer Haven
In 1990, the U.S. Coast Guard (the successor of the U.S. Life Saving Service) moved the operations across the Golden Gate to the calmer Horseshoe Bay at Fort Baker, where its tradition of lifesaving continues. Nonprofit organizations now use the former boathouse (to your right) and the former commandant’s quarters (to your left).
The steamship S.S. Ohioan ran aground near the Cliff House in 1936. Note the rescue gear at far left, rigged to bring the crew and cargo ashore.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Places • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 37° 48.366′ N, 122° 27.978′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Presidio of San Francisco.
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Daring Pilots, Youthful Heroes (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crissy Field Transformed (approx. 0.2 miles away); Aviation Firsts: Crissy Army Airfield (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crissy Field (approx. 0.3 miles away); Setting A Deadly Obstacle Course (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Last Word in Airfields (approx. 0.3 miles away); Military Intelligence Service Language School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Francisco.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 7, 2009
2. Commandant's Quarters and Boathouse
Distant photo of the Fort Point Life Saving Station Buildings. On the left is the commandant's quarters and on the right is the boathouse. The marker is visible on the left in front of the Commandant's Quarters.
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 7, 2009
3. Commandant's Quarters at the Fort Point Life Saving Station
July 7, 2009
4. Photo Displayed on the Marker
Surfboats were launched from a “marine railway” to ensure quick response to a call from a vessel in distress, such as the oil tanker S.S. Frank Buck.
July 7, 2009
5. Photo Displayed on the Marker
The S.S. Frank Buck in distress.
July 7, 2009
6. Photo Displayed on the Marker
Surfmen of the Fort Point Life-Saving Station, circa 1908.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 1, 2015, by Jo Solorzano of San Francisco, California. 2, 3. submitted on February 18, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 8, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
