Fort Amsterdam, Dutch colonial fortification in Lower Manhattan, United States.
Fort Amsterdam was a Dutch fortification at Manhattan's southern tip that commanded entry to both the Hudson and East rivers. The structure featured stone walls, bastions, and gun emplacements designed for defense and colonial administration.
The fort was established in 1625 and marked the beginning of New Amsterdam, which later became New York City. It remained the center of Dutch control until the British took over the colony in 1664.
The chapel inside served as the spiritual center for Dutch settlers and established Reformed Protestant practices in North America. It reflected how religion shaped daily life in the early colony.
The former fort's location is easily reached at Battery Park at Manhattan's southern tip. You can walk through the grounds, view the harbor, and imagine the site's historical role without needing any special preparation.
Sections of the original fort's walls remain buried beneath Battery Park and have been uncovered during archaeological excavations. These remains reveal how the structure once looked before the modern park was built over it.
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