The Voices of the Marin Headlands

Golden Gate Bridge Marin Headlands PC
Golden Gate Bridge with Marin Headlands in the background

Golden Gate NRA, Park Archives, GOGA 14439



Since the 1850s' ownership of the Marin Headlands has been contested by private citizens and the United States federal government. Ultimately the lands were used by both in the three military forts built over the years, the Lighthouse and Coast Gaurd stations, as well as plenty of ranches. By the 1980s the lands were fully part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Although hundreds of years of history took place here, and army records or military details are usually easy to find, we only have a few stories told by the civilians and staff that work there.

Click here for more history of The Marin Headlands
 
Marincello Model
Marincello Model

Golden Gate NRA, Park Archives, GOGA 2316


"Yes! The Golden Gate National Park is still a wild and rugged area of headlands and hills overlooking the Pacific and its coastline for miles with stunning views of the sea and the city of San Francisco, particularly at night. The juxtaposition of open and untouched land across the Golden Gate from a highly developed and sophisticated city is exciting and astonishing!" -Katharine S. Frankforter

 
 
 
 

Other Marin Headlands Oral Histories

 
These oral histories may be used for any legitimate non-commercial public or press use with proper credit given to the National Park Service. If you have any questions or require additional information, please reach out to the Park Archives and Records Center’s reference archivist at 415-561-2807 or Contact Us.

For a Complete List of Oral Histories Available by Topic
 

Last updated: July 9, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Golden Gate National Recreation Area
201 Fort Mason

San Francisco, CA 94123

Phone:

415-561-4700
United States Park Police Dispatch: Non-Emergency: 415-561-5505 Emergency: 415-561-5656

Contact Us

Tools