Golden Gate National Recreational Area - Stories (U.S. National Park Service)

Select any of the following links to learn more about Golden Gate’s various themes and stories.

photo of Native Americans on occupied Alcatraz

Learn how in 1969, a group of American Indians occupied Alcatraz to highlight their protest against the government's policies.

historic postcard from the 1915 World's Fair

A World's Fair Celebration

Learn how in 1915, the city of San Francisco celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and showed the world its recovery from the 1906 earthquake.

photo of the shipping berths at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation

Shipping Essential Goods to the Pacific

Learn how the San Francisco Port of Embarkation, located at Fort Mason, functioned as the U.S. Army's largest shipping center for the Pacific Theater.

Defending San Francisco Bay

Learn how first Spain, then Mexico and then the United States fortified the Bay against enemy invasion.

Buffalo soldiers on horseback in Yosemite

Buffalo Soldiers in the Park

Learn how African American Infantry and Cavalry troops protected California's National Parks during the early 1900's.

People for A Golden Gate National Recreation Area leading public tours in the early 1970s

Creation of Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Learn about the social, environmental and political forces that helped create this park.

The Broderick-Terry Duel

Learn how this 1859 duel played a role in the Civil War and how Fort Mason was home to San Francisco's anti-slavery movement.