Fort Constitution

Fort Constitution, 1775, Putnam County, Garrison. On Constitution Island (Martlaer's Rock) in the Hudson River opposite West Point. Started summer 1775. Planned fort had bastions, 200 foot curtain rampart (14 cannon), five batterys with 81 cannon, barracks and an octagonal blockhouse with six cannon and magazine. By Nov 1775 had 70 cannon. By Jan 1776 construction stopped with materials going to Fort Montgomery. By Apr 1776 had only 22 cannon left. Burned and abandoned Oct 1777, captured and further destroyed by British same month. Partially rebuilt Feb 1778 as Fort 7 for East anchor of West Point chain (Spring 1778 to Winter 1782).

For more information see:
www.dmna.state.ny.us/map/rev-war.html, and
www.usma.army.mil/tour/ (Links open new windows.)

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