It was dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln in 1909 and includes about 100 acres (0.4 km2) of the northwestern corner of the San Francisco Peninsula.

The land on which Lincoln Park stands was the city-owned Golden Gate Cemetery, established in 1868.

During this period of development some 50 acres (200,000 m2) of the original tract were turned over to the federal government to be added to the neighboring Fort Miley Military Reservation.

The original western terminus marker of the highway was located at the north end of the plaza and fountain in front of the Legion of Honor.

Today, a replica of the western terminus marker and an interpretive plaque are located at the southeast corner of the plaza, next to the bus stop.