Fort Hunter Liggett San Francisco Day Trip

Fort Hunter Liggett is about 25 miles southwest of King City, CA. It is accessible from Highway 101 in King City or Highway 1 from the south.

This terrain and location made the land prime for training soldiers during World War 1. The military bought the property from local ranchers, making it under the direction of Fort Ord at that time.

It was also under Camp Roberts to the south for many decades until the Army Reserves claimed it in 1993. It is now a training site for various activities.

The military installation is rich in history. Before becoming a military installation, the land was inhabited by ranchers and farmers, descendants of the Salinan Indians. In 1771, Spanish padres started a mission along the San Antonio River.

The opening of San Antonio de Padua brought agriculture and more residents. It was the third mission to open in California and became the most prosperous mission of converting Indians to Christianity.

After the secularization of California missions in 1862, President Lincoln signed a deed transferring the buildings and land to the Franciscans. The earthquake of 1904 damaged the structure, which deteriorated for a long time.

The restoration was mainly accomplished from the 1920s through the 1950s. The installation currently holds it as a preserved historical site on 85 acres of land.

It holds a Sunday mass, a gift shop, and a visitor center. Since it is located on a military post, you must show the gate guard your ID, registration, and insurance.

“Old Jolon” is a group of buildings on the installation that is a ghost town of the original city built by Spanish settlers. After they moved on and the military took over the land, most buildings burned down in a massive fire.

The buildings still standing in a row are the Dutton Hotel, the Tidball Store, a school, and Saint Luke’s Church.

Close by, the Hacienda is a building created by William Hearst as a headquarters and lodging house for workers maintaining his ranch. Hearst owned much of the property for many years and kept many buildings.

Hearst Castle is just south of the installation. It is a product of Mr. Hearst’s wealth. This is the only one that is still standing and maintained. Visitors can get a close-up view of this historic site. For many years, people mistook their identity for the mission because of the similarity of construction style.

Another building from William Hearst is the Tin Barn, which he purchased from San Francisco and transported by rail to his land. It was constructed in the Bay Area to commemorate the completion of the Panama Canal.

Hearst wanted it for a horse barn, which is the purpose it served for many years. Currently, it houses the Fort Hunter Liggett fire department.

You will enjoy the military post’s history, the opportunity to take pictures, the view of the past, and a scenic drive. If you are not an army member, bring your identification, vehicle registration, and insurance, and get gas before driving to the post.

The post has a gas station, but non-military personnel are limited to purchasing 5 gallons.

Mission San Antonio De Padua is located on an 85-acre area within Fort Hunter Liggett. The mission was established in 1771 by the Spanish explorer Don Gaspar de Portola.

Over the years, the mission fell into disrepair, with several roofs collapsing. Between 1902 and 1908, California Historical Landmarks League members rebuilt the church walls and covered them with a wooden roof. The 1906 earthquake partially destroyed restoration work, but it was quickly resumed.

Restoration funding was provided by donations from private citizens, including a Hearst Foundation grant. Mission San Antonio de Padua is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Hunter Liggett is located in southern Monterey County. Fort Hunter-Liggett, the U.S. Army’s Western Training Center. For entry, you must present a valid driver’s license (for the driver and any passengers over 18), auto registration, and proof of insurance to the gate guard. Make sure your gas tank is full. A gas station is on the base, and non-military drivers are limited to five gallons.

Fort Hunter Liggett directions from Highway 101 north – Turn off on Jolon Road (G14), drive approx. Twenty-two miles to the entrance to Fort Hunter Liggett. Directions from Highway 101 south:

Take the Jolon Road (G18) exit right after the Bradley exit. Drive 26 miles to the Entrance.

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