List of forts in California facts for kids

California is a big state with a long history. Over the years, many forts and camps were built here. These places were used by different groups, like the military, traders, and even explorers. They helped protect people, control land, and support different activities across the state.

What are Forts and Camps?

Forts are strong buildings or groups of buildings. They are often built to protect a place or people from danger. Camps are usually temporary places where soldiers or workers stay. Both forts and camps played a big role in California's past. They were important for defense, trade, and exploring new areas.

Famous Forts and Their Stories

Many forts and camps in California have interesting stories. They show us how the state grew and changed over time.

Fort Alcatraz: The Island Fortress

Fort Alcatraz was built on an island in San Francisco Bay. The United States Army started building it in 1850. It was first used to protect the bay. Later, it became a famous prison. The fort was abandoned in 1934. Today, Alcatraz is a popular national park.

Presidio of San Francisco: A Long History

The Presidio of San Francisco has a very long history. It was founded by Spain in 1776. This makes it one of the oldest settlements in San Francisco. It was a military base for many years. The Presidio was used by Spain, then Mexico, and finally the United States. It closed as a military base in 1994. Now, it is a beautiful national park.

Fort Ross: Russian Adventures in California

Fort Ross was built by the Russian-American Company in 1812. It is located near Jenner, California. The Russians used it for trading and hunting sea otters. They also grew crops there. This fort shows that other countries were interested in California. The Russians left Fort Ross in 1841. Today, it is a state historic park.

Drum Barracks: A Civil War Hub

Drum Barracks was a very important camp during the American Civil War. It was built by the Union Army in 1861. It was located in Wilmington, California. This camp was the main military base in Southern California. It helped supply Union soldiers and protect the area. It was abandoned in 1871.

Fort Tejon: Protecting the Grapevine

Fort Tejon was established in 1854 by the United States Army. It was built in Grapevine Canyon. This area is now known as "The Grapevine" on Interstate 5. The fort protected the route between Southern and Central California. It also helped control conflicts with local Native American tribes. The fort closed in 1864.

Why Were These Places Built?

Forts and camps were built for many reasons:

• Protection: They protected settlers, trade routes, and important resources.
• Control: They helped governments control new territories.
• Supply: Many were supply depots for soldiers and explorers.
• Trade: Some, like Fort Ross, were built for trading goods.
• Training: Modern camps are used for military training.

Forts Still in Use Today

Some forts and camps from the past are still used by the military today.

• Fort Irwin near Barstow, California, is a major training center for the United States Army.
• Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterey County, California, is also an active training area.
• Camp Roberts, California is a large training base shared by San Luis Obispo County, California and Monterey County, California.
• The Presidio of Monterey has been in use since 1768. It is still used by the U.S. military.
• Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, California, is partly still in use.

Images for kids

• Alcatraz Island from the air.jpg

  Alcatraz Island, once a fort, then a famous prison.

• Presidio of San Francisco main gate.jpg

  The main gate of the Presidio of San Francisco.

• Fort Ross stockade.jpg

  A view of the reconstructed stockade at Fort Ross.

• Drum Barracks Museum.jpg

  The Drum Barracks Museum in Wilmington, California.

• Fort Tejon State Historic Park barracks.jpg

  The barracks at Fort Tejon State Historic Park.

See also

• Geography of California
• List of forts