by Debbie L. Sklar / Times of San Diego / Jan. 16, 2026High above San Diego Bay, Fort Rosecrans occupies one of the most commanding pieces of land in the city. Today, Fort Rosecrans is best known as a place of remembrance — but it has also, briefly and intentionally, become part of San Diego’s film history. Hollywood BacklotWhat Fort Rosecrans is not is a forgotten Hollywood backlot. Fort Rosecrans, originally developed as a coastal artillery post and formally designated a fort in 1899, never functioned as that kind of production hub. Including Fort Rosecrans in local film history requires care and clarity.