Protecting the Past for the Future

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A Century Past

Fort Point is over 100 years old. How has it changed since then? Use the slider to see the fort of 1907 transition to today.

Then and Now

Fort Point

1907

2015

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Defending the Defenders

Fort Point was one of a series of forts built to defend our country. Now it is our turn to defend them from sea level rise. The National Park Service is planning for an estimated 3 feet or 1 meter rise by 2100. That level of rise puts Fort Point and several other historic Forts in jeopardy.

Swipe through the gallery below to see some of the forts threatened by sea level rise.

At Risk of Rising Seas

Mighty Fortresses

An aerial photo of a D-shaped brick fort on a long barrier island with blue-green water and white sandy beaches on both sides and green vegetation in the middle.

Fort Massachusetts was built on a barrier island in Mississippi. Sea level rise threatens it from both sides. (Photo by George Perina)

A five-sided brick fort with black buildings and flags inside the fort. The fort occupies about half of the island. A pier leads to a docked boat.

Will sea level erode away Fort Sumter in South Carolina, despite its pivotal role in the Civil War?

A three-story trapezoid-shaped fort looks over the harbor, and a cargo ship passes by. The land on the opposite side of the harbor is covered with buildings.

Battery Weed of Fort Wadsworth in New York Harbor was damaged by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Sea Level Rise at Dry Tortugas National Park

Watch this video to see how Fort Jefferson in Florida is affected by sea level rise.

Audio-described version

The Next 100 Years

How will the next century affect these forts? Sea level is rising due to warming temperatures. Earth is warming mostly due to human activities that release carbon. Since people are causing climate change, we can change our ways to reduce climate change—and reduce impacts to historic forts.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area

What You Can Do

Everglades National Park