Credit: Nuestro Stories
In one of the most vibrant cities in the world, with one of the most breathtaking views, lies the Presidio of San Francisco. Originally home to the Ohlone and Coastoan tribes before Spanish Colonization made its way to the shore, this swath of land next to the Pacific Ocean became a military hold for Spanish, Mexican, and eventually American soldiers. The area is also home to the San Francisco National Cemetery, which is now home to 30,000 lost souls killed in the line of duty – ranging from generals in the Civil War, to Buffalo Soldiers, to Union spies. The cemetery was established in 1850, not long after the United States assumed control of the Presidio.
The Ohlone and Coastoan peoples were said to exist in a framework of 50 societal tribes, with the villages focusing primarily on fishing, hunting and gathering in the lush landscape of the coastal land. When the Spanish military arrived in 1776, it marked a drastic change to the people of the land. By 1810, a mixture of imposed labor, disease, and forced cultural indoctrination eliminated most of the Ohlone/Costoan, and at the very least, their way of life.
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The original colonizers would hold the land for another 10 years, until Mexico won its independence from Spanish rule, and the Presidio fell under Mexican rule. That rule lasted for 25 years until the Americans took the Presidio.
Now, the area is home to an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge, another historic landmark that makes up the glittering scenery of San Francisco.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- It is located in San Francisco, California.
- The San Francisco National Cemetery is located at 1 Lincoln Blvd and is open from 6am to 6pm Monday through Friday.
- The San Francisco Presidio is now a National Park, and is broken up into four regions: The Main Post, The Southern Wilds, Golden Gate, and Crissy Field.
- To get the full experience and ensure you don’t miss anything, visit the San Francisco Presidio Visitors Center at 210 Lincoln Blvd.
- You can access the Presidio Visitors Guide PDF by clicking HERE.
