The Presidio of San Francisco fulfilled its mission to serve and protect the Pacific Coast for more than two centuries. Now part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, it continues to protect some of the parks' endangered and threatened plant and animal species; San Francisco's only free-flowing stream, Lobos Creek; and a veritable museum of military architectural styles. This book offers a pictorial history of the Presidio and a concise, thoughtful text that examines its various roles under three flags.