Established in 1776, the Presidio of San Francisco has existed as a military fortification under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule. It became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area in 1994 when it was transferred to the National Park Service from the Army.
The Main Post is the heart of the Presidio where the oldest existing buildings are found.
In the 1890s, the Army built substantial brick barracks to house troops. They had heating, indoor plumbing, kitchens, rec rooms, and even space for tailors and barbers. The Main Parade Ground (now lawn) was constructed alongside so the soldiers could conduct drills and exercises. Today, the barracks have been reimagined as workplaces for a variety of organisations including the Walt Disney Family Museum.
Since 1997 the Presidio Trust has been busy renovating historic buildings in the park and a lot has changed since my visit there in 2010. It is an interesting place to visit and there is a shuttle bus that can take you all around the park.
TRAVEL WORDS 