| Fort Clinton (picture by Peter Watts) |  |
Fort Clinton
Photographer Description of Fort Clinton
Panorama taken from Fort Clinton overlooking Harlem Meer in Central Park.Fort Clinton - Further Information
Fort Clinton in Central Park is the remains of a fort built during the War of 1812 between America and Great Britain, which resulted in a stalemate on both sides, many losers and no clear victor. It is one of two forts on the souther shores of the Harlem Meer, the other being the Nutters Battery Site. The Blockhouse in the northwest corner of the park was built at the same time in great haste to defend New York from British attacks from the north, which had not been anticipated. New York also built the Battery (now Battery Park) on the southern tip of Manhattan and fortifications on Ellis Island during the same conflict.Fort Clinton is named after DeWitt Clinton,the Mayor of New York in 1811. Built on a steep incline of Manhattan schist bedrock, the fort provided good views over the surrounding area and a defense against the British. It had been previously used by the British during the American Revolutionary War (American War of Independence).
Today, the remains of Fort Clinton overlook the Harlem Meer to the north and the North Garden of the Conservatory Garden to the south. All that remains to mark the fact that this pleasant lookout had a different purpose in the past is a plaque set into a stone pillar and a cannon placement.
Travel Directions and Getting There:
Subway: 110st Street (West side - A, B, C, D lines ), 110th Street (East side - 4, 5, 6 lines), Central Park North (2, 3 lines)