"GHOSTLY GUARDIANS ON THE HILL"
Ft. MacArthur, San Pedro California



On September 4, 1888 the "Old Government Reservation" next to San Pedro Bay became property of the U.S. War Department. Located a few miles south of Los Angeles, California, this hillside piece of real estate is part of the Palo Verdes Estates region and commands a stunning vista of the Pacific Ocean. On clear days an observer can see up to 40 miles at sea, including a breathtaking view of Catalina Island. This was originally the site of a public landing during Spanish Colonial days and always regarded as a significant spot to oversee the comings and goings at Los Angeles Harbor.



After World War One, it was decided LA Harbor be protected from the possibility of enemy attack. Anti-aircraft guns - including two 155mm - were installed in a complex bunker system. The biggest firepower came by 1930 with the arrival of two 14-inch railway guns that could fire their 1400 pound shells a distance of 27 miles.

These mighty weapons remained in service until the end of World War Two, when they were deemed obsolete and dismantled. The military installation continued to be used as an induction and separation center throughout the 1950s. A NIKE missile defense system was erected during the fifties and remained to provide protection for the Los Angeles area until 1974, then that installation was decommissioned. A portion of this old base is still used by the U.S. Air Force, but much of the bunker system was sealed off and a museum built upon this historic site.