<< Back to Forts
Independence, Fort
Description: In 1776, during the Revolutionary War, Fort Independence (1) was built in the Bronx. Arguably the strongest fortification in the region, Fort Independence, also as Fort Number 4, was located on the heights between the old Boston and Albany Post Roads and is now the site of Fort Independence Park. The Continental Army built breastworks, which helped to defend the parallelogram shaped fortress, which boasted bastions at two angles. Its construction started in June 1776 and the site enclosed a stone barracks, a magazine and several tents. However, the fort was deserted in October 1776 and occupied by British Hessian troops during the empire’s occupation of the city. It was later destroyed and evacuated in September 1779.
In 1776, Fort Independence (2) was ordered to be built in Westchester County, on the Hudson River, to protect what is presently known as State Camp Smith. Known as Roa Hook, or Tethard's Hill, the fort was built in August 1776. However, it was evacuated in October 1777 when Montgomery and Clinton fell and was subsequently destroyed by British invaders. The fort was later obliterated by quarry operations.
County: Bronx
City, State: Manhattan, New York
Conflict/Time Period: Revolutionary War