6. Fort Hamilton is New York City’s Only Active Military Fort
Although Fort Hamilton is home to the Harbor Defense Museum, it is also New York City’s only active military fort. Built in 1825, Fort Hamilton has been a coastal defense center for almost two centuries. However, before the fort even existed, the British landed at its current location in 1776 to attack Patriot forces. Once the fort existed, however, General Robert E. Lee was tasked with improving the fort’s armament (and there remains an avenue inside the fort named after him). Stonewall Jackson is another significant soldier who spent time at the fort.
Today, Fort Hamilton’s community contains 573 Active Duty members, 942 Family Members, 700 Civilians, and 880 National Guard and Reserve employees. Active Duty members represent the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
