Fort Point Living History Weekend

Fort Point served as the "key to the entire Pacific Coast", and the "Guardian of the Golden Gate" during one of our Nations most trying times. Twice a year, we don our union blue, march through the sally port and hoist the colors to the sound of Fife and Drums. Join National Park Service Rangers, and Volunteers as we demonstrate what life was like for all who served here during the American Civil War.

Fort Point Living History Weekend is FREE to the public and will take place August 2 2025. No reservations are required. As a visitor you will have an opportunity to engage with our reanactors, and experience the sights and sounds of an active U.S. Army fort during the 1860's. There will be period demonstrations, music and activities for all ages to enjoy.

Free parking is available just outside the fort, and along Marine drive. Additional parking, for a fee, is available at the Crissy Field (Near the Warming Hut) and Battery East Parking Lots.

PUBLIC NOTICE:

If you plan to join one of our events as a costumed re-enactor, please check-in with the National Park Service Ranger at the entrance to Fort Point. You are welcome and encouraged to do so, to help bring the fort to life. However, walk-ins are not permitted to carry weapons on site.

Participation in any public programs/demonstrations is by invitation only, and must be approved by Fort Point volunteer program management. Currently, the 20th Maine Company G of the ACWA, Friends of Civil War Alcatraz, and Fort Point Guard are the only approved re-enactment groups.

Schedule for Saturday August 2, 2025

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
10:00	Fort opens to the public
10:10	Flag Raising Ceremony	Parade Ground
10:30	Fort Tour: Sgt Johnson	Outside Sallyport
11:00	Talk on Captain Stewart	Parade Ground
11:00	Infantry Frill	Parade Ground
11:30	Cannon Drill	Parade Ground
11:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
12:00	Talk: California and Civil War	Parade Ground
12:30	Infantry Drill	Parade Ground
1:00	Talk on Captain Stewart	Parade Ground
1:00	Fort Point Brass Band	Parade Ground
1:30	Fort Talk: Ranger Program	Parade ground
1:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
2:00	Talk: Pauline Cushman, Union Spy	Parade Ground
2:30	Cannon Drill: 20th Maine
2:30	Infantry Drill	2nd level southwest
2:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
3:00	Fort Tour: Sgt Johnson	Parade Ground
3:00	Infantry Drill	Parade Ground
4:30	Flag Lowering Ceremony	Parade Ground
5:00	Fort closes to the public

Ongoing Displays and Exhibits

National Park Service volunteer recruitment	West Casemate
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War	Northwest Casemate
Friends of Civil War Alcatraz	Northwest Casemate
Medical practices display and demonstration	Northwest Casemate
Civil War Aeronaut and Balloon display	North Casemate
Cooking display and demonstration	North Casemate
Civil War era recruitment station and Scrivener	North Casemate
20th Maine Vol Infantry, and Ordnance Display	Northeast Casemate
The Moral Dilemma of the Buffalo Soldier	2nd level southeast
Paymaster and uniform display	2nd level south center
Battle of Mobile Bay display (2pm-5pm)	2nd level southwest
Civil War Soldiers life display	2nd level Surgeons room
Barracks life demonstration	3rd level barracks
For Site Art	2nd and third floors

 

Join the Fort Point Guard!