One Of America's Oldest Former Military Sites Is Now A 226-Acre Park With Underground Tunnels

When we think of New York City, our minds usually picture towering skyscrapers, yellow taxis, and the busy streets of Manhattan. We tend to look at it as a modern city, overlooking the extensive history that shaped New York into the dazzling metropolis it is today. But below the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, on the northeastern shore of Staten Island, sits Fort Wadsworth, one of the city's most underrated tourist attractions and one of the country's oldest military installations. Now a 226-acre park, the former military site still has historic fortifications and underground passageways.

Fort Wadsworth's history dates back to the Revolutionary War, when British troops fortified the area in 1779, during their occupation of New York City from 1776 until 1783. After the war ended and the British withdrew, the newly formed United States recognized the importance of protecting New York Harbor. Construction at Fort Wadsworth and other nearby forts began in the early 1800s, and by 1847, the entire site was under federal control.

As warfare evolved throughout American history, Fort Wadsworth transformed alongside it. Around the time of the Spanish-American War, the fort rapidly modernized, adding hidden gun batteries designed to remain invisible from the water, protecting its weapons and soldiers. During the 20th century, Fort Wadsworth continued to defend New York Harbor throughout both world wars. Anti-aircraft guns became a major part of its defenses during World War II, and the fort later served as headquarters for a brigade overseeing Nike missiles around New York during the Cold War. The Army vacated the site in 1979, and the Navy stepped in. The Navy remained until 1994, when Fort Wadsworth was turned over to the National Park Service and became part of Gateway National Recreation Area's Staten Island Unit.

Of the many remnants left at Fort Wadsworth from its military era, two of the most significant structures are Battery Weed and Fort Tompkins, which still overlook New York Harbor today. However, much of Fort Wadsworth's intrigue lies beneath the surface, with a tunnel connecting sections of Battery Caitlin and other historic passageways that offer a glimpse into how the fort operated during times of conflict. 

While these tunnels aren't available to explore individually, the National Park Service offers ranger-led tours of Fort Tompkins and its surrounding grounds. These free, 90-minute tours are scheduled on select weekends, with advance reservations required. Fort Wadsworth also hosts special programs, like Lantern Tours of Fort Tompkins, which have taken visitors through the fort's dark rooms and passageways. After taking in New York's gorgeous sunset views, visitors can experience the fort's history by lantern light. You can check Fort Wadsworth's events for upcoming dates and reservation instructions.

Even if you can't make a ranger-led tour, you can embark on a self-guided walk around Fort Wadsworth. You can pick up a map at the Visitor Center or use the NPS App to explore the publicly accessible grounds, including views of historic batteries and scenic overlooks with picturesque views of New York Harbor and the Narrows. You can also see exhibits highlighting the important role Fort Wadsworth played in protecting the harbor at the Visitor Center, currently open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Beyond uncovering military history, there is more to do at the 226-acre Fort Wadsworth site. A series of walking and biking paths connects Fort Wadsworth to Staten Island's South Beach, with amazing harbor views along the way. Staten Island native Paula Ryszkiewicz enjoys spending Sundays riding her bike around Fort Wadsworth: "The path can be a little steep and hilly," she wrote for Spotted by Locals, but notes that it rewards cyclists with beautiful views of Brooklyn, Lower Manhattan, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. As the fort's former military structures are slowly reclaimed by nature with Lower Manhattan as a backdrop, Fort Wadsworth becomes a fascinating place for urban photography. Birdwatchers also frequent the fort's overlook in hopes of spotting migrating seabirds along the coast.

Fort Wadsworth is one of many sites within Gateway National Recreation Area, which extends across 26,000 acres in three New York boroughs and northern New Jersey. As part of Gateway's Staten Island Unit, Fort Wadsworth is easily reached by public transportation, making it an ideal addition to an NYC itinerary. The free Staten Island Ferry, with views of the Statue of Liberty, takes you from Whitehall Terminal in Lower Manhattan to St. George Terminal in Staten Island in about 30 minutes. From the ferry terminal entrance, the S51 bus takes you to the park entrance on Bay Street in about 20 to 30 minutes for $3. Fort Wadsworth itself is free to visit and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.