Fort Lafayette, Fortress island in New York Harbor, US
Fort Lafayette stood on a rock island between Staten Island and Long Island, featuring three tiers of cannons arranged in an octagonal structure.
The military fortress, constructed during the War of 1812 and completed in 1822, served as a prison for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.
The fort received its name in 1823 to honor Marquis de La Fayette, a French general who supported American independence during the Revolutionary War.
The structure contained multiple casemates measuring 24 by 14 feet, with small loopholes providing limited natural light to the interior chambers.
Francis Key Howard, grandson of The Star-Spangled Banner author, spent time imprisoned in Fort Lafayette for criticizing President Lincoln's policies.
Inception: 1812
GPS coordinates: 40.60833,-74.03861
Latest update: May 11, 2025 08:51
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