Presidio of San Francisco in San Francisco City and County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Setting A Deadly Obstacle Course
Fort Point Mine Depot
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 7, 2009
1. Setting A Deadly Obstacle Course Marker
Photo captions: Left: This schematic shows an underwater mine and distribution box, with buoys that were placed during planting operations. Throughout the modern era of American harbor defenses (1890-1950), mines were considered to be one of the primary harbor defense weapons. Middle: Soldiers inserted explosives into the mines in these loading rooms, Extreme care was taken to ensure that no accidents occurred. Right: Defense of the Golden Gate required extraordinary measures over the years. During World War II, strategically placed underwater mines deterred enemy surface ships and submarines.
Inscription.
Setting A Deadly Obstacle Course. Fort Point Mine Depot. The Fort Point Mine Depot was created to defend the West Coast’s greatest harbor from enemy attack. Here, U.S. Army personnel assembled mines, loaded them on ships and planted them in minefields outside the Golden Gate. An enemy ship attempting to enter San Francisco Bay would have had to maneuver through a deadly obstacle course. Completed in 1910, the depot remained in service through World War II.
The Fort Point Mine Depot was created to defend the West Coast’s greatest harbor from enemy attack. Here, U.S. Army personnel assembled mines, loaded them on ships and planted them in minefields outside the Golden Gate. An enemy ship attempting to enter San Francisco Bay would have had to maneuver through a deadly obstacle course. Completed in 1910, the depot remained in service through World War II.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1910.
Location. 37° 48.51′ N, 122° 28.236′ W. Marker is in San Francisco, California, in San Francisco City and County. It is in Presidio of San Francisco. Marker can be reached from San Francisco Bay Trail near Marine Drive. The marker is located on Crissy Field at the entrance to the Torpedo Wharf. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: San Francisco CA 94129, United States of America. Touch for directions.
3. Distant photo of one of the buildings of the Fort Point Mine Depot
Photographed By Don Morfe, July 7, 2009
4. The Warming Hut
In this building the U.S. Army personnel assembled mines during World Wars I and II.
Photographed By Denise Boose, October 15, 2016
5. Setting A Deadly Obstacle Course Marker
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 694 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on February 18, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on December 1, 2015, by Jo Solorzano of San Francisco, California. 3. submitted on February 18, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 4. submitted on March 14, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 5. submitted on March 27, 2017, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.