Fort Wadsworth

My favorite thing to do at Fort Wadsworth (besides, of course, practicing inappropriate yoga positions, since the area is usually devoid of tourists) is stand near the memorial on the top level - if you look straight up, you can see from the lighted nuts and bolts at the base of the Verrazano, alll the way to the top crescent. If you thought you knew what "longest suspension bridge in the world" meant before, prepare to be humbled - the Fort Wadsworth angle will make you feel miniscule, for this bridge is a true architectural behemoth, and even more gorgeous when the lights come on.

If you're from Staten Island, (or not) and you haven't been here yet, do yourself a favor - the view of New York City is amazing as well.

I always loved Fort Wadsworth. It's a great place to catch your breath. The hills make for a vigorous walk, and the views are breathtaking. You always feel safe there because... active military base. It's great for doing laps on a walk or blasting your quads on a bike ride. Go.

A historical piece of mid-island Staten Island showcasing one of the oldest military bases in America used during the Revolutionary War.

A pleasant harbor where you can view the Manhattan skyline from afar, the start and finish of the Verrazzano-Narrows bridge, and various now-defunct military installments such as the Battery Weed (4-tiered fortification used to guard the Narrows) and war cannons.

Highly recommend giving this part of town a visit if you are around the Midland area and enjoy seeing historical military pieces dating back from centuries ago.

I have visited New York City more than any other city in the US. Prior to my trip to Staten Island, it was the only borough I had never visited. On a rainy day on the island, I spent some time at Fort Wadsworth. Despite the crummy weather, it was well worth the visit.

Since Fort Wadsworth is on the national register of historic places, there are plenty of spots where you can read about the fort as you walk around---just be prepared to walk. You'll basically make a long circle if you're trying to see it all, which I did. You'll learn all about Fort Wadsworth and how it served as a way to protect us from the potential for unwanted attacks.

If you like to sell your sperm to the sperm bank, then the only question is, how much are your Wadsworth?

It's hard not to love Fort Wadsworth, which is in the shadow of the beautiful Verrazano Narrows Bridge. It's also the start point of the New York Marathon.

It's one of the most beautiful places in all of New York City, and one of my favourite spots. I pretty much come here whenever I'm in Staten Island to try the pizza or whatever stuff Yael sends me over here for.

It makes me think of my good friend Nadia and distant past memories, and I will probably always like it as much as I do.

Beautifully maintained, historic park commanding gorgeous views of the harbor and Narrows. With a bit of energy, one can take a walk through the woods and end up at the boardwalk in South Beach.

I visited this fort with a walking tour group and had a great visit. It was a former United States military installation on Staten Island in New York City, situated on The Narrows which divide New York Bay into Upper and Lower halves, a natural point for defense of the Upper Bay and Manhattan beyond. Prior to closing in 1994 it claimed to be the longest continually garrisoned military installation in the United States.

Today it is managed by the National Parks Service and is open to the public as part of the Gateway National Recreational Area. We were able to get a park ranger give us a tour of inside the fort which was educational and cool. Admission is free.

The weather was beautiful and the views of the Verrazano bridge and water were amazing. We did see a few people walking around or sitting on benches enjoying the scenery surrounding the fort.

Definitely a different and cool place to check out in NYC.

After 30 years for me and 40 years for my partner, we finally made our way back to Staten Island, NY and visit this historic place. Fort Wadsworth up to the 1970s was once the oldest continually manned military installation in the country. It became a part of Gateway National Park. Section of the park supports Coast Guard families assigned to the NYC area by providing housing. During the Revolutionary War the British Army occupied Staten Island from the end of June 1776 until early December 1783. The longest occupation of any territory in America during the war. The British constructed a fort on the top of the cliff in 1776. The American Army took over the site after British evacuation and during the War of 1812 they built strong fortifications preventing any attempt by Britain to invade New York. A large stone fort called Battery Weed ( named after an officer killed in the Civil War ) was built over twenty years from 1840 to 1860. It became obsolete five years after completion at the end of the Civil War due to new powerful cannons installed onboard warships. The view of the harbor and City of New York was stunning from the cliff even on this hazy day. The Verrazano Bridge spans a section of the harbor between Fort Wadsworth and Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn. A visitor center exists but it was closed during social distancing. We witnessed some visitors and sadly one can count them with our fingers. Several tables with umbrellas were seen where one could stop for lunch. If you are in the area, it is highly recommend for a visit.

I'm an NPS fan and was trying to get to all the sites in the NYC area, and from Manhattan, Fort Wadsworth seemed like the most accessible part of the Gateway National Recreation Area site and one of the only parts where we could be sure to get our NPS passports stamped.

A subway ride + the Staten Island Ferry + the S51 bus to the fort, we made it! Would definitely recommend going on a beautiful, clear day because the views from the overlook are beautiful (and that was the highlight for us). One of the forts is right below the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, and you have great views of Brooklyn and lower Manhattan.

The visitors center was pretty straightforward -- a couple rooms explaining the history of the fort and protecting New York Harbor. They do have maps of the area, and the man staffing the front desk was helpful in giving us an overview of the site and directing us the right way. If you're interested in forts/military history, I'd allow an hour or two to see everything just since there's some ground to cover. We were content just reading the signs and taking in the views and calling it a day.

Great place.

1) Was not able to visit the fort, since the tours did not start.
2) But, seeing the view of the fort and bridge was well worth it.
3) Will call ahead to see if the tour season has started - will return.

The kids come here to see the kids. There are goats!

I wondered if anyone really visited Fort Wadsworth since it was a national park. I couldn't imagine people picnicking here or wandering the grounds. That's not really this type of place. But some come to ride through with bikes or to visit the goats along the hill (there are feeding times). The ones who are really interested take one of the free tours on the weekend or the paid lantern night tours. Tours last about two hours. Wear comfortable shoes and have a snack beforehand. This is a tour for the most dedicated as it is heavy with history and there is no quitting until the end.

Our tour guide was excellent. He knew everything about battles, military defense, and what it was like back in the day. He was serious but he was also interactive, told a few jokes, and kept it interesting. My only criticism is for the grounds itself. For a center that offers tours, it is a bit dilapidated. We were advised to let the water from the water fountains run for a few seconds to clear the pipe water. Seems like they are not used much. The bathrooms are decent but with no soap. Carry your own hand sanitizer when you take this tour. Also during the walk through the dioramas and photographs you will notice that many of the pictures are missing or are hanging and ready to fall. It is also extremely dusty.

Fort Wadsworth feels old but is such an important place. It is wear tennis was introduced and where New York was protected. The structure of the building was well thought out and almost castle like. A few commercials, movies, photo shoots, and shows like Boardwalk Empire have used Fort Wadsworth as a location.

This definitely a tourist spot off the radar but well worth the visit.