Imagine facing New York City from the sea. Fort Schuyler stands as a sentinel. This 19th-century fortification in the Bronx holds stories within its granite walls. It is a landmark that has guarded New York City and now houses a museum.
Fort Schuyler is one of the finest examples of early 19th-century US fortifications. It was built as part of the third system of US fortifications after the War of 1812. The US coast needed better defenses against foreign invasion. Construction began in 1833 and was dedicated in 1856. However, it was not garrisoned until 1861.
Its location is strategic. Fort Schuyler protects New York City from naval attack through Long Island Sound. It guards the eastern entrance to New York Harbor. The fort sits on Throggs Neck. This is the southeastern tip of the Bronx where the East River meets Long Island Sound.
Across the river sits Fort Totten. Though largely incomplete, it faces Fort Schuyler. Together, their interlocking batteries created a bottleneck. This made it difficult for ships trying to approach New York City.
At its peak, Fort Schuyler could accommodate 1,250 men. It boasted 312 guns. The United States Army Corps of Engineers designed and built it. Four of its five sides cover the water approach to New York City. Each of the four seacoast fronts had three tiers of cannon. The bottom two tiers were casemated. The third tier on the roof had barbette mounts. Small “tower bastions” protected the curtain walls.
Behind the fort were an extensive hornwork and an advanced redoubt. These defended against a land attack. The hornwork had two demi-bastions. These protected its face against direct assault. A large ravelin extended northwest to break up an attack.
During the American Civil War, Fort Schuyler held Confederate prisoners of war. It also housed Union Army military convicts. As many as 500 prisoners were held here. The fort included McDougall Hospital. It had a capacity of 2,000 beds. The fort had an effective waste removal system.
Fort Schuyler also served as a mobilization and training center. Units trained here before heading to combat. These included the 5th New York Volunteer Infantry “Duryee’s Zouaves” and the First California Regiment. The 69th and 88th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiments also trained here. From 1863 to 1864, the fort was garrisoned by the 20th Independent Battery, New York Volunteer Artillery.
Duty at Fort Schuyler was generally dull. Men served as guards and hospital stewards, not artillerymen. In 1873, a ten-gun battery was built. This was part of a fort improvement program. It included a mine casemate for a controlled minefield.
Under the Endicott Program, Fort Schuyler received modern coastal artillery gun batteries. These were completed between 1898 and 1900. They included Battery Gansevoort, Battery Hazzard, Battery Bell, and Battery Beecher. Soon after completion, the East River defenses were superseded. The Coast Defenses of Long Island Sound became more important.
After the American entry into World War I, Battery Bell’s 5-inch guns were removed. They might have served in France. The 5-inch guns were never returned and were scrapped around 1920. In 1934, Fort Schuyler was disarmed. It was turned over to the state.
Today, Fort Schuyler is home to the State University of New York Maritime College. The college was founded in 1874. It moved to the fort in 1938.
Since 1986, a portion of Fort Schuyler has housed the Maritime Industry Museum. The museum features exhibits on the history of the United States maritime industry. It also has exhibits on the history of Fort Schuyler itself.
So, as you stand here, remember the layers of history. Fort Schuyler protected New York. It trained soldiers and housed prisoners. Now, it educates future maritime leaders and preserves the past.