Spiral Stairwell: Fort Point Tour

Notice the intricate stone masonry of these granite steps.

Turn right to see the spiral stairwell near the powder magazine. The fort has three such stairways. The stone was quarried near Folsom, California and each step weighs about 1,000 pounds. Each step was hand-cut by stone masons earning 50 cents an hour and working 10 hours a day. The weight of each stone bearing down on upon the one below keeps the steps in place; there is no central column supporting the staircase.

If you do decide to climb to the top level, watch your step as you go up the stairs. They can be quite slippery in rainy or foggy weather.