Fort Schuyler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fort Schuyler |
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| Part of Harbor Defenses of Eastern New York 1898–1934 | |
| Throgs Neck at East River and Long Island Sound, New York, New York | |
Southern main gate
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 Fort Schuyler
Fort Schuyler
Fort Schuyler
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| Coordinates | 40°48′20″N 73°47′31″W / 40.80556°N 73.79194°W |
| Type | Garrison fort, training camp |
| Site information | |
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| Open to the public |
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Fort Schuyler
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| Area | 17 acres (6.9 ha) |
| Built | 1833–1856 |
| Architect | Capt. I.L. Smith (probably John Lind Smith (died 1858) of the US Army Corps of Engineers) |
| Architectural style | Third system of US fortifications |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001206 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 29, 1976 |
| Condition | Intact, occupied |
| Site history | |
| Built by | United States Army Corps of Engineers |
| In use | 1861–present |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War World War I |
Fort Schuyler is a historic fort located in the New York City borough of the Bronx. It was built in the 1800s to protect the city. Today, it is home to the State University of New York Maritime College. The fort also has a museum, the Stephen B. Luce Library, and offices for the college. It is known as a great example of early 19th-century forts. The fort was named after Major General Philip Schuyler, a hero from the Continental Army.
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Fort Schuyler: A Historic Fortress
Fort Schuyler is one of many forts built along the east coast after the War of 1812. This war showed that the U.S. coast needed better protection from invaders. Construction on Fort Schuyler began in 1833. It was mostly finished by 1856, but soldiers didn't move in until 1861.
The fort was placed in a very important spot. It guards the eastern entrance to New York Harbor from Long Island Sound. This location is on Throggs Neck, a tip of land in the Bronx. Another fort, Fort Totten, was built across the water. Together, these two forts could fire at enemy ships from both sides. This created a strong defense for New York City.
Building Fort Schuyler: Design and Features
At its largest, Fort Schuyler had 312 guns and could hold 1,250 soldiers. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built it. Its location on Throggs Neck meant four of its five sides faced the water. This allowed many cannons to cover the water approach to New York City.
Each of the four water-facing sides had three levels of cannons. The bottom two levels were inside strong, arched rooms called casemates. The top level had guns mounted on the roof, called barbette mounts. Smaller tower-like structures, called bastions, were at the corners. These bastions had smaller guns to protect the fort's main walls from attack.
Behind the main fort was a large outer defense area called a hornwork. This was unique for forts of its kind. It helped protect against attacks from the land. The hornwork had its own defensive walls and structures to break up any enemy advance.
Fort Schuyler During the Civil War
During the American Civil War, Fort Schuyler played several roles. It held up to 500 Confederate prisoners of war. It also held Union Army soldiers who had committed military crimes. The fort had a large hospital, called McDougall Hospital, with 2,000 beds. The fort was well-designed, even having a very good waste removal system for its time.
Fort Schuyler was also a place where soldiers gathered and trained. Many units trained here before going to battle. These included famous groups like "Duryee's Zouaves" and the "Irish Brigade". Soldiers stationed at the fort often served as guards or hospital workers. It was not a place for artillery battles during the war.
Modernizing Fort Defenses: The Endicott Era
After the Civil War, Fort Schuyler was updated with new gun batteries. This was part of a program to improve coastal defenses. Between 1898 and 1900, several modern gun batteries were added. These included large 12-inch and 10-inch guns on "disappearing carriages." These carriages would hide the guns after they fired, protecting them from enemy fire. Smaller 5-inch and 3-inch guns were also added.
These new defenses were part of the Coast Defenses of Eastern New York. However, soon after these updates, other forts further east became more important. This meant Fort Schuyler's role in defending New York City changed.
During World War I, some of the fort's guns were removed. They were meant to be used as field guns in France, but the war ended before they saw action. Over time, many of the older guns were removed or scrapped. By 1934, the fort was no longer used for military defense.
Fort Schuyler Becomes a College Campus
In the late 1920s, the U.S. Army decided to stop using Fort Schuyler. A plan was made to turn it into a state park. However, another idea was to make it a permanent home for the New York State Merchant Marine Academy. This academy is now known as the State University of New York Maritime College.
After a long debate, the college won. The fort was given to New York State in 1934 during the Great Depression. It was then repaired and improved by the Works Progress Administration. In 1938, it officially became home to the college. In 1948, the college became part of the State University of New York. Fort Schuyler has been recognized as a historic place since 1976.
Explore the Maritime Industry Museum
In 1986, a part of Fort Schuyler became the Maritime Industry Museum. This museum teaches visitors about the history of shipping and sea travel in the United States. It has exhibits on commercial ships, the merchant marine, and the port of New York. You can also learn about the history of Fort Schuyler itself. The museum is open to the public on weekdays.
See also
