Fort Mason in San Francisco has history going back to the American Civil War even though no battles took place in California during this period. It did have the gold at the time which both side did want, and although the state was supplying the Union with troops, it also had a still open harbor, which the south did need.
Since most of the residents of San Francisco at this time were from other countries more than there rest of this country, their ideals were to supporting and joining the Union.
Privately owned by Major General John C Fremont, the land was seized by the federal government under orders by President Lincoln as it was too valuable to the war.
The fort is named for Richard Mason, military governor of California before statehood, and descendent of George Mason, one of the signers of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
The area where Fort Mason Center now is was where the Ohlone peoples lived, with piers 1-3 now standing was where they probably pushed their boats into the bay.
The U.S. Army took control it the area in 1850, when California became a state.
With the U.S. heading towards WW1, the military started to build more, building the three large buildings at the pier. These buildings became the actual points of embarkation from WW1 and WW2.
Today, these buildings are the Arts and Culture Center, with revolving shows by revolving artists.
As seen 2 November 2022.
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