Fort Schuyler
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Fort Schuyler
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NYC Landmark #LC-0124
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Southern main gate
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| Location | Throgs Neck at East River and Long Island Sound, New York, New York |
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| Coordinates | 40°48′20″N 73°47′31″W / 40.80556°N 73.79194°WCoordinates: 40°48′20″N 73°47′31″W / 40.80556°N 73.79194°W |
| Area | 17 acres (6.9 ha) |
| Built | 1833 |
| Architect | Capt. I.L. Smith |
| NRHP Reference # | 76001206 |
| NYCL # | LC-0124 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | June 29, 1976 |
| Designated NYCL | April 19, 1966 |
Fort Schuyler is a preserved 19th century fortification in the New York City borough of the Bronx. It houses a museum, the Stephen B. Luce Library, and the Marine Transportation Department and Administrative offices of the State University of New York Maritime College. It is considered one of the finest examples of French-style fortifications. The fort was named in honor of Major General Philip Schuyler of the Continental Army.
Fort Schuyler was one of many forts built along the east coast of the United States under the third system of US fortifications in the aftermath of the War of 1812, when it became apparent that the U.S. coast was poorly defended against foreign invasion. Fort Schuyler was dedicated in 1856 after 75% completion. The fort was strategically positioned to protect New York City from naval attack through Long Island Sound, guarding the eastern entrance to New York Harbor. It is located on Throggs Neck, the southeastern tip of the Bronx, where the East River meets Long Island Sound. Fort Totten, built during the Civil War and largely incomplete, faces it on the opposite side of the river. Their interlocking batteries created a bottle-neck of defenses against ships attempting to approach New York City.
Fort Schuyler, at its peak, boasted 440 guns. Its position on Throggs Neck allowed four of its five sides to cover the water approach to New York City. The fort included an extensive hornwork and an advanced redoubt to defend against a land attack. Later, it would be fitted with various other pieces through the continuing modernization of coastal defense artillery, once including 10-inch and 12-inch guns on disappearing carriages installed on the hornwork and on the peninsula around the fort. Coastal artillery emplacements at the fort remained until 1935.
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Wikipedia