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 February 1, and 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.

Tentative Schedules/ will be updated asap

Schedule for Saturday February 1, 2025

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
10:00	Fort opens to the public
10:10	Flag Raising Ceremony	Parade Ground
10:30	Fort Tour	Outside Sallyport
11:00	Infantry Drill	Parade Ground
11:30	Fort Talk: TBD	2nd level program area
11:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
12:00	Cannon Drill	Parade Ground
12:30	Fort Talk: TBD	2nd level program area
12:30	Parade from Torpedo Wharf to Fort Point	Torpedo Wharf
1:00	Fort Point Brass Band -Tentatively	Parade Ground -east
1:30	Fort Talk: TBD	2nd level program area
1:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
2:00	Infantry Drill	Parade Ground
2:30	Fort Talk: TBD	2nd level southwest
2:30	The Wandering Bow String Band	Theatre
3:00	Cannon Drill	Parade Ground
3:30	Fort Talk: TBD	Theatre
4:00	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

Schedule for Sunday February 2, 2025

Sundays activities will be minimal and led by Park Rangers and Fort Point Guard volunteers. Please visit the day prior, for living history demonstrations and music.

TIME	EVENT	LOCATION
10:00	Fort opens to the public
10:10	Flag Raising Ceremony	Parade Ground
11:30	Fort Talk: California and the Civil War	1st level program area
12:00	Fort Point tour	Sallyport
1:00	Cannon Drill	Sallyport
1:30	Fort Talk: Civil War Medicine	2nd level surgeons room
2:00	Fort Point Tour	Sallyport
2:30	Fort Point History Talk	1st level program area
3:00	Cannon Drill	Parade Ground
3:30	Fort Point History Talk	1st level program area
4:00	Flag Lowering Ceremony	Parade Ground
5:00	Fort closes to the public

 

Join the Fort Point Guard!