Flagstaff Fort facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flagstaff Fort |
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| Staten Island, New York | |
 Flagstaff Fort
Flagstaff Fort
Flagstaff Fort
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| Coordinates | 40°36′18″N 74°03′24″W / 40.60500°N 74.05667°W |
| Type | Redoubt |
| Site information | |
| Owner | National Park Service |
| Site history | |
| Built | June 1776 |
| Built by | Patriot forces |
| In use | 1776-1783 |
| Demolished | Replaced by Fort Tompkins in 1806 |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
| Garrison information | |
| Occupants | National Park Service |
Flagstaff Fort was a small fort built by American forces, known as Patriots, in June 1776. It was located on Signal Hill, a high point on Staten Island, overlooking The Narrows. This spot was important because it controlled the entrance to New York Harbor. The fort played a role in the American Revolutionary War.
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What Was Flagstaff Fort?
Flagstaff Fort was a type of small fort called a redoubt. It was built quickly by American forces at the start of the American Revolutionary War. Its main purpose was to defend New York City from British ships and soldiers. The fort was placed on a hill that offered a great view of the water.
Early History of the Site
The land where Flagstaff Fort stood had been used for defense long before the American Revolution. In 1636, a Dutch settler named David Pieterszen de Vries built a small building called a blockhouse there. This first blockhouse was destroyed in 1655 during a conflict known as the Peach Tree War.
Later, in 1663, another blockhouse was built on the same site. This second blockhouse lasted for a very long time, until at least 1808. So, the area was known as a strategic spot for defense for many years.
Flagstaff Fort in the Revolution
Flagstaff Fort was built by the American Patriots in June 1776. However, it did not stay in American hands for long. The British forces took control of the fort in July 1776, just one month after it was built.
British Takeover and Changes
Once the British took over, they made the fort much stronger. By July 1779, they had built gun platforms inside the fort. These platforms could hold 26 cannon. Two months later, records show that the fort had ten large cannons ready for use. These included six 24-pounder cannons and four 18-pounder cannons.
By 1782, the fort was even more impressive. It had five bastions, which are parts of a fort that stick out to allow defenders to fire along the walls. It also had several barbette batteries, which are raised platforms for cannons to fire over the walls.
End of the War and Beyond
The British forces stayed at Flagstaff Fort until the end of the American Revolution. They left the fort in 1783, when the war was officially over.
In 1806, Flagstaff Fort was taken down. A new, larger fort called Fort Tompkins was built in its place. It's believed that the old 1663 blockhouse was even enclosed within the new Fort Tompkins. Over time, Fort Tompkins and other forts in the area grew into what is now known as Fort Wadsworth.
What's There Now?
Today, the site where Flagstaff Fort once stood is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. This area is managed by the National Park Service. While the original fort is gone, its history is preserved as part of this important national park site.
