Military History and Coastal Defense

The Lonely Sentinels

The Point Loma peninsula forms a natural protective barrier at the entrance to San Diego Bay, rising 422 feet to provide strategic views of the harbor and ocean. Recognizing the strategic importance of this sandstone rampart, the United States government designated the area as a military reserve in 1852. In 1899, the War Department dedicated Fort Rosecrans, and over the years, a series of gun batteries were constructed to bolster coastal defenses.

During World Wars I and II, the military facilities on Point Loma played a crucial role in providing vital coastal and harbor defense systems. Between 1918 and 1943, the Army constructed searchlight bunkers, fire control stations, and additional gun batteries to ensure the protection of San Diego Bay. These installations were essential in monitoring and defending the coastline from potential enemy attacks.

Battery Ashburn

One of the most notable installations was Battery Ashburn, located adjacent to the park entrance station. This battery housed two massive 16-inch guns capable of firing 2,300-pound shells nearly 30 miles out to sea. These formidable weapons were part of the coastal artillery designed to deter and defend against naval threats. After World War II, the guns were dismantled and sold for scrap, marking the end of their service.

The military also utilized the Old Point Loma Lighthouse during this period, painting it olive green and repurposing it as a command post and radio station. This adaptation highlighted the lighthouse's strategic importance beyond its original navigational role.

Coastal Defenses

Today, visitors to Cabrillo National Monument can explore the remnants of these coastal defenses along the park's paths. These historical relics include base-end stations, fire control stations, searchlight bunkers, and a radio station that now houses an exhibit. These structures, often referred to as lonely sentinels, stand as silent guardians of our collective memory, preserving the history of the area’s military significance.

The Exhibit: "They Stood the Watch"

The exhibit "They Stood the Watch," housed in the old radio station, provides an in-depth look at the history and importance of these coastal defenses. This exhibit offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers who manned these stations and the strategic operations that took place. Ranger talks, often held on weekends, offer additional insights and stories, enhancing the visitor experience and understanding of the site’s military heritage.

A Harbor Worth Defending

For those interested in delving deeper into the military history of Point Loma, the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation bookstore in the Visitor Center offers several informative titles. One notable book, "A Harbor Worth Defending," authored by a former Cabrillo National Monument Park Ranger, provides a detailed account of Fort Rosecrans and Point Loma's coastal defenses. This resource, along with other available publications, provides a comprehensive understanding of the strategic significance of Point Loma and its role in American military history.

By exploring these historical sites and engaging with the exhibits, visitors can gain a greater appreciation for the military history that has shaped Cabrillo National Monument and the broader San Diego region. The legacy of these defenses, preserved through diligent historical interpretation, continues to inform and educate future generations about the importance of coastal defense in protecting our nation's shores.

 

Photographic Tour of the Base End Station

View a photographic tour of the Base End Station at Cabrillo National Monument.