Fort Hamilton

Fort Hamilton is an active military facility along the Narrows waterway at the entrance to New York Harbor in Brooklyn. High fences with security posts surround barracks buildings, administrative blocks, and depots spread across the waterfront zone.

Construction began in 1825 as part of coastal fortifications against naval attacks on the harbor. During the Civil War, the facility served as a training post and later evolved into an administrative and logistics hub for all service branches.

The installation sits in Bay Ridge, a neighborhood with many Italian-American families and Greek restaurants. Visitors often see military personnel in uniform moving between service buildings and nearby shops, giving the neighborhood a distinct military presence.

Access is permitted only with valid military identification or written authorization from the visitor control office. Public events such as parades or memorial days occasionally allow visits outside the usual strict security guidelines.

The facility forms the last active military base in the entire city and houses members from all service branches. Residential homes stand directly against the fences, so civilian neighbors hear and observe military routines daily.

Location: Brooklyn

Inception: 1825

GPS coordinates: 40.60611,-74.03083

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:06