Fort Clinton New York

Though the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 structures no longer stand here, Fort Clinton is one of three visible fortifications in northern Central Park. Currently, this spot serves as a scenic overlook out over the Harlem Meer and out over the neighborhood of Harlem itself. A plaque nearby describes the history of the location, as well as providing artistic renderings of what the site would have looked like around the time it was built. The site was first used as a British fortification after the invasion of Manhattan, however, the Americans built a new edifice after the British left in order to protect from further invasions.

The original structure has since been lost to the elements, though the Central Park Conservancy worked hard to restore the site, even so far as to install one of the original cannons in the center of the overlook. Much of the surrounding terrain has changed since the fortification was built, though, with the aid of the drawings displayed on the plaque, it’s easy to imagine what the site must have looked like over 200 years ago, which is my favorite part!