Fort Wadsworth (Staten Island, New York)
Staten Island · New York · Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, World War I, World War II
History & Significance
Dutch settlers established signal fires on Staten Island's bluffs by the mid-17th century to warn of incoming vessels. The site was first fortified with a 1663 blockhouse, then during the Revolutionary War became the American redoubt Flagstaff Fort (1776), captured by the British and enlarged until 1783.
After the War of 1812, the republic's Second System of coastal fortification program selected the Staten Island bluffs for a major stronghold, with construction of permanent masonry fortifications beginning in 1808, including Fort Richmond near the waterline and Fort Tompkins on higher ground. By the 1840s, both forts were rebuilt and expanded under the Third System of Coastal Defense, using granite and brick casemates capable of mounting hundreds of heavy cannon.
The 1885 Endicott Board's recommendations led to major improvements, and the entire fort area was renamed Fort Wadsworth in February 1902. During World War I, Fort Wadsworth played an important role as the largest fort guarding New York City, with some batteries maintained at constant readiness.
Though headquarters for Nike missile operations from 1952 to 1964, no missiles were stationed there; a 120 mm gun battery operated from 1952 to 1955. The fort was decommissioned in 1994 and transferred to the National Park Service.
Key Facts
Map
View larger map ↗ · © OpenStreetMap contributors
🧳 Visiting
What you’ll see when you visit:
- Historic fortifications (Battery Weed, Fort Tompkins) spanning Revolutionary War to WWII
- Original 1663 Dutch blockhouse foundations visible
- Harbor Narrows defensive position with water views
- Guided tours available through Gateway National Recreation Area
Sources
- https://www.nps.gov/gate/learn/historyculture/fort-wadsworth.htm
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Wadsworth
- https://museum.dmna.ny.gov/forts/wadsworth
- https://www.cityneighborhoods.nyc/fort-wadsworth
- https://npplan.com/parks-by-state/new-york-national-parks/gateway-national-recreation-area-park-at-a-glance/gateway-national-recreation-area-staten-island-unit-overview/gateway-national-recreation-area-fort-wadsworth-at-staten-island/