Panorama taken in the woods at the north west corner of Central Park showing the Blockhouse, one of a series of defensive structures within the park. These woods have not changed much since the 1800's, when the fort was built. Virtual tour taken in spring of 2008.

Blockhouse in Central Park New York - New York visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Blockhouse in Central Park New York' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from New York.

The Blockhouse was built in 1814 to defend New York from attack from the north by the British. While defenses at the southern end of New York had been strengthened by the building of the Battery (now Battery Park) and Ellis Island, attack from the north had not been anticipated. It was thus with some haste that a series of blockhoues were built in a line across Manhattan when the British troops Stonington on Long Island Sound in 1814. The rapidity of the build can be seen by the roughness of the construction.

The Blockhouse (officially Blockhouse #1) is the only one remaining of four built on the Harlem Heights (now called Morningside Heights). It never saw action as New York was not attacked and one year later, in 1815, the Treaty f Ghent was signed ending the conflict.

The Blockhouse now stands in the north east corner of Central Park set in a wooded area. Other battlements in the park include the remains of Fort Clinton and Nutters Battery Site, which stand on hills to the south of Harlem Meer overlooking the lake.

Subway: 110st Street (West side - A, B, C, D lines ), 110th Street (East side - 4, 5, 6 lines), Central Park North (2, 3 lines)