For our history buffs… Cavallo Point Lodge sits at Fort Baker, a former U.S. Army post at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, California. The site has a rich history that spans military use, environmental preservation, and adaptive reuse.

Early History: Fort Baker

• 19th Century: The area where Cavallo Point now stands was originally home to the Coast Miwok people before European settlers arrived.

• 1850s: The U.S. Army established Fort Baker as a coastal defense post to protect San Francisco Bay. It became part of a network of military installations, including Fort Point and the Presidio.

• 1901-1915: The Army constructed the Colonial Revival-style buildings that now house Cavallo Point, originally serving as officers' quarters and administrative buildings.

20th Century: Military Operations

• World War I & II: Fort Baker played a role in harbor defense and later served as a base for anti-aircraft operations during World War II.

• Cold War Era: The fort was repurposed for various military functions, including radar operations.

• 1995: Fort Baker was decommissioned as an active military base and transferred to the National Park Service as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA).

Transformation into Cavallo Point Lodge

• 2006-2008: After years of planning, Fort Baker was transformed into Cavallo Point Lodge as part of a public-private partnership with the National Park Service. The project focused on historic preservation and sustainability.