Fort Tyler facts for kids
Fort Tyler was a special military fort built on a tiny island called Gardiners Point Island. This island is just off Gardiners Island, located in Gardiners Bay, at the very eastern tip of Long Island, New York.
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Why Was Fort Tyler Built?
Fort Tyler was built in 1898. This was during the Spanish–American War, a time when the United States was at war with Spain. The fort's main job was to protect Long Island from possible attacks. Leaders worried that Spanish navy ships might try to bombard, or shell, the coast.
Protecting New York's Coast
To defend the area, Fort Tyler was equipped with powerful cannons. It had two large 8-inch cannons and two smaller 5-inch cannons. These weapons were ready to fire if any enemy ships came too close. The fort stood as a guard for the important waterways around Long Island.
From Military Fort to Bird Home
After the war, Fort Tyler was no longer needed for defense. The military stopped using it in 1920. Years later, in 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the fort a new purpose. He declared it a special reserve for birds. This meant the island became a safe place for different bird species to live and nest.
A Target in World War II
Even though it was a bird reserve, Fort Tyler was used again during World War II. This time, it was not for defense. Instead, the United States Navy used the old fort for target practice. Naval forces would aim at the fort to improve their shooting skills.
Visiting Fort Tyler Today
Today, Fort Tyler is still standing, but it is not safe to visit. There might be unexploded ordnance (old bombs or shells) left over from its time as a military target. Because of this danger, landing on the island is not allowed. It remains a quiet, historic spot in Gardiners Bay.
