Fort Schuyler (1)
Fort Schuyler (1) (1833-1934) - Construction of Fort Schuyler began in 1833 and the fort was dedicated in 1856 when it was 75% complete. Named after Gen. Philip Schuyler. The last garrison was removed 1 May 1934.
Fort Schuyler (1) History
Fort Schuyler was established to protect New York City from a sea attack by closing the western end of Long Island Sound.
Built in the French style, the fort was meant for both land and sea defense and could accommodate a garrison of 1,250 men. Between 1845 and 1856, 312 seacoast and garrison guns, 6 field pieces and 134 heavy guns were installed.
The fort itself was built in an irregular pentagon with granite brought from Greenwich, Connecticut. Three bastions faced the water side of Throggs Neck and, on the land side, a drawbridge and tunnel provided the entrance to the fort.
Modernization of the fort began in 1896 during the Endicott Period and several batteries of large caliber guns were installed and the coastal artillery garrisoned the fort. The last garrison was removed 1 May 1934.
| Battery | No. | Caliber | Type Mount | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gansevoort | 2 | 12" | Disappearing Carriage | 1899-1935 |
| Hazzard | 2 | 10" | Disappearing Carriage | 1898-1930 |
| Bell | 2 | 5" | Balanced Pillar Mount | 1900-1917 |
| Beecher | 2 | 3" | Masked Pedestal Mount | 1900-1920 |
| Source: Coastal Defense Study Group | ||||
Current Status
Between 1934 and 1938 the fort was converted into The New York Public Nautical School and that college still occupies the site. In 1948 that school became the State University of New York Maritime College. The restoration of the fort has continued since 1934.
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Location: Throgs Neck, New York Maps & Images Lat: 40.80525 Long: -73.791561 |
Sources:
- Lewis, Emanuel Raymond, Seacoast Fortifications of the United States: An Introductory History, Naval Institute Press, Annapolis MD, 7th printing, 1993, ISBN 1-55750-502-0, page 50
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