Fort Cockhill, Revolutionary War fortification in Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan, US
Fort Cockhill was a small fortified position on the highest point of Inwood Hill Park with earthen walls and mounted cannons. The installation sat at the northwestern tip of the hill and overlooked the water below.
The position fell to Hessian soldiers in 1776 and remained under British control until 1783. The defensive line there could not hold against the superior force for long.
The fort was part of a defensive line meant to protect New York during the Revolutionary War. Visitors can see how colonists fortified this northern tip of Manhattan against British forces.
The site sits within a park with marked walking paths leading to several war-related locations. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the terrain is hilly.
George Washington visited the position personally and noted construction weaknesses. The commander recognized that critical defensive elements were missing.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
