Fort Point National Historic Site

The Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii) can be found year-round in most parts of the continental United States and is a frequent visitor to the Castillo de San Marcos! This bird of prey was likely looking for small critters scurrying around the moat in the early morning.

Image: Cooper’s Hawk peeking over the fort’s wall.

On May 31, 1889, one of the deadliest disasters in U.S. history struck when the South Fork Dam failed above Johnstown, Pennsylvania, unleashing more than 4.8 billion gallons of water. The raging flood swept through the valley, destroying homes and communities and claiming more than 2,200 lives.

After days of relentless rainfall, the dam gave way, triggering widespread devastation across the region. In the aftermath, Clara Barton and volunteers with the American Red Cross led one of the nation’s first large-scale disaster relief efforts, providing critical aid to survivors.

Today, Johnstown Flood National Memorial preserves the remains of the dam and tells the story of the flood, its victims, and the recovery efforts that followed. Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/jofl

Image: A tree lodged in the Schultz house in the aftermath of the Johnstown Flood of 1889

🍄✨ Cave surprise! ✨🍄

At first glance, caves may appear inhospitable to life, but look closer and you can find it thriving. This mushroom, of the genus Mycena, found a perfect home in the cool, humid, dim light of the cave. Most Mycena are saprotrophic, meaning they feed on dead matter or waste. In addition to a comfortable habitat, this individual also found a nutritious meal in the dead tree root it’s growing out of!

This delicate flush of fungi appears only briefly each year on the same piece of decomposing wood deep within Oregon Caves — a tiny seasonal reminder that even in the darkest places, ecosystems are hard at work. 👀🌿

Next time you visit the cave, remember: there’s a whole hidden world growing in the shadows.

Photo credit: NPS/ Sarah M

Thermal features are so hot right now.

Well, most of the time. Yellowstone National Park preserves the most extraordinary collection of hot springs, geysers, mudpots, and fumaroles on Earth. More than 10,000 hydrothermal features are found here, of which more than 500 are geysers.

Boardwalks and trails protect you and delicate thermal formations. Do not touch thermal features or runoff. Water in hot springs can cause severe or fatal burns, and scalding water underlies most of the thin, breakable crust around hot springs.

Learn more tips on how to adventure through Yellowstone safely at: https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/safety.htm

Now on display at Fort Point National Historic Site:
SUNRISE/SUNSET
From the first glimmer of sunrise to the gorgeous glow of the sunset, our
parks sparkle with life and natural beauty. The Volunteer Photographers of
Golden Gate National Recreation Area present to you some of these
magical moments. We are proud to share these images with you
and hope you are inspired to love our parks even more!

PARTICIPATING PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Keith Ammons, Alison Taggart Barone, Ted Barone, Will Elder,
Richard Mayer, Doc Miles, Dave Rauenbuehler, Jodi Terry, Kathy Wong

This exhibit is open during normal operating hours: Thursday-Monday 10am-5pm on the second floor near the wrought iron staircase.

Photos for this post by a very helpful visitor and Tory Starling

“You must choose, but choose wisely…” -Grail Knight

Nobody wants slippy-sloppy. Or was it sloppy-slippy? Either way, taking the wrong footwear on the trail can quickly turn a fun hike into a painful one. Before heading out, research the route and terrain so you can choose the right gear for your adventure. Heels, open-toed shoes, and flip-flops are not ideal for hiking trails. For dirt or gravel trails, opt for sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good traction and ankle support. For paved or urban pathways, comfortable sneakers or tennis shoes are usually a better fit. Your feet will thank you later.

Now, to be fair, it's ! Flip-flops are great for beach parks, the pool, short walks, getting lost in the parking lot, or just embracing vacation mode. But rocky trails, waterfalls, uneven terrain, being chased by a herd of bison, mud, and steep inclines? That’s where things can get a little…well, slippy. Also sloppy.

Make good choices.

Image: A screenshot of a post from the National Park Service account on X that reads: “Always hike with proper supplies and equipment. Remember, flippy floppies may lead to slippy sloppies.”

The mondayest Tuesday ever…

Dreading what feels like it could be a bear of a week? Feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up? Bearly moving? Don’t worry…ease back into work instead of trying to tackle everything all at once. Start by tidying your workspace (or find your space if you’ve forgotten), reminding yourself what it is you do there, and planning your first break of the day. Sometimes the best way to get back into work mode is to give your brain a chance to catch up too.

Did somebody say break? It never hurts to take a much-needed “paws.” Regular breaks can help you recharge, refocus, and keep the day from turning completely grizzly. Step away for a few minutes to stretch, take a walk, catch something for lunch, or scroll through the park socials. This is your time.

Image: A bear cub takes a nap in a cottonwood trees Big Bend National Park. NPS/CA Hoyt

Honoring all the members of our armed forces who gave what President Abraham Lincoln called "the last full measure of devotion," Memorial Day is one of the most important and solemn days on the National Mall. Across 250 years of American history, starting with those who fell while fighting alongside General George Washington in the Revolutionary War to recent conflicts, we will never forget our heroes. The military memorials on the National Mall are stunning tributes to hundreds of thousands of people who laid down their lives for freedom. Today we lay wreaths at these special places, but every day, walking past stone walls and metal statues, we recognize the loved and lost and offer the thanks of a grateful nation.

Photo by National Park Service.

Step into History by Candlelight…
Experience Fort Point like never before in the warm glow of candlelight beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Join us for special Candlelight Tours this winter season and explore the fort’s rich history after dark. Hear the echoes of the past as you wander historic halls lit only by flickering flames.

Fort Point National Historic Site�
Available now until the end of February

Limited spots available – reserve early
https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088307/ticket/10088308

Photo: Leena Martinez Racataian
Photo Description: Image of Golden Gate Bridge from the roof of Fort Point

Operations in the Absence of Appropriations | U.S. Department of the Interior Operations in the Absence of Appropriations

Due to weather conditions, Fort Point will be closed today.

Have you experienced the golden hour at Fort Point? As the sun goes down in the afternoon, sun reflects off the Golden Gate Bridge and streams into the fort, creating beautiful patterns and colors. The bridge and fort have inspired many photographers, including our NPS Volunteer photographers. Come and see for yourself! See the new interactive on the ground floor and check out the special exhibits on the second floor including: "Bastions of Memory" and coming next week... the new Volunteer Photography exhibit in the soldiers' quarters.

Visit the link in our bio to learn more about the fort and find out about upcoming programs on our calendar.

NPS Photos by Tory Starling

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For the first time, Fort Point will have a Candlelight Program on October 31st. Costumes (historical or not) are encouraged!

To purchase tickets go to https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088307/ticket/10088308

Please join us for a very special Candlelight Tour.

Visitors on this evening tour will maze through the shadows of this historic fort by candlelight and will have a chance to see the glimmering lights of the Golden Gate Bridge towering up above them. Join our SPOOKTACULAR rangers on this 90-minute excursion and listen as they interpret the history and life that once existed within the old brick walls of the Fort Point!

Buy your tickets today through Recreation.gov.

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Red feet, red mouth, what's this bird all about?
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Pigeon guillemots nest in the walls of Fort Point. These striking seabird are known to nest in cavities along the ocean shore, and at Fort Point they've found habitat in the windows and vents within the brick and mortar.

Despite being named for their resemblance to pigeons based on their size and shape, pigeon guillemots are not actually pigeons. Rather, they are skilled seabirds that propel themselves with their webbed feet and swim with their strong, short wings. They will dive over 100 feet to catch fish and invertebrates such as worms and crabs. The second photo shows a pigeon guillemot with its latest catch.

During courtship, the male bird will march in a circle showing off its vivid red feet to his potential mate. Pigeon guillemots form pair bonds and typically keep this bond for multiple breeding seasons. Females will lay one to two eggs per season.

While soldiers no longer call Fort Point their home, these pigeon guillemots inhabit the 163-year old fort. What other wildlife have you found living in human-made structures?

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📷: NPS / Jason Bosinoff. Descriptions: 1. A pigeon guillemot faces the camera from its fort perch in front of a red brick background. The bird is black with white wing sections. Its open mouth is vivid red. 2. A pigeon guillemot holds a fish in its beak. 3. Two birds look outward from the fort. 4. Two birds face each other with open beaks.

"You light up my world like nobody else" -One Direction
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What other hidden stories can we shine a light on?

Today is National Lighthouse Day and we want to shine a light on our very own lighthouse! There has been a common misconception that the lighthouse was built after the bridge with questions if it was to help light up the Golden Gate Bridge. The truth of the matter is the Fort Point lighthouse was there all along before, during and after construction of the bridge with its original intentions to light the way for safe passage of cargo throughout the bay. However, with the construction of the bridge creating an alternative and much faster transportation from the north of the bay to the city, it rendered the lighthouse obsolete.

While the light may not shine the way it used too, it does offer a spotlight to focus on the unique perspectives of the Fort and uncovering the stories like Madeline Chase who has lent her voice to talk about her connection to our lighthouse. To hear more about this and other stories that we have begun to shed light on, follow the link:

https://www.nps.gov/goga/learn/historyculture/the-voices-of-fort-point.htm

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📷: 1. GGNRA Park Archives (historic photo of the Barbette Tier with cannons mounted and lighthouse looking out towards the ocean) 2. Xotchitl Garibay NPS (modern photo of the Barbette Tier with the lighthouse situated under the arch of the Golden Gate Bridge)

Who’s ready for a field trip?

As a partner of , we’re excited to congratulate the 8 student awardees from California on their success in the contest! Starting this summer, awardees will explore iconic historical & cultural sites across the country, from the steps of the of Liberty National Monument to the decks of the Constitution National Historical Park.

We’re proud to share that Fort Point will also be hosting a field trip! We’re excited to see students embark on these incredible trips and learn more about our nation’s history.

Click the link below for the full list of awardees: America’s Field Trip Awardees - America 250 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Famerica250.org%2Ffieldtrip%2Fawardees%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cerick_cortes%40nps.gov%7C06578928c1b74b82b4a108dca51a2e32%7C0693b5ba4b184d7b9341f32f400a5494%7C0%7C0%7C638566779094068350%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=BO3RVCoWt%2FoyKDzObmlhwvWGtoq8SaekJNKidcbjZ9s%3D&reserved=0

Photo: Erick Cortes NPS (Fort Point with Golden Gate Bridge in the Background.