Preserving Over 100 Historic Structures - Fort Totten

Fort Totten is a tangible reminder of New York City’s once powerful harbor defense system. The installation on 136 acres in Bayside, New York, was first known as the Fort at Willets Point (and the Willets’ farmhouse is still standing on the property), then became Camp Morgan, and finally the present name in 1898. Fort Totten was named after Major General Joseph G. Totten, who established this major military base. Most of the buildings here were built between the 1830’s and the 1960’s, and the major period of improvement and expansion took place between 1885 and 1914.

Congress approved the closing of this fort in 1995, and today, 49.5 acres of the property is designated a historic district and turned over to the NYC Parks Department and opened to the public. The NYC Fire and Police Departments as well as the U.S. Army Reserve use several buildings.

This is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

There are several park maps posted around the property. There are also informational posts at some of the buildings.

The original Willets’ farmhouse sitting on part of the property abandoned.

Some of the old barracks that are abandoned and some in stages of demolition.

The view of Little Neck Bay.

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208 Totten Avenue was built in 1887, and is nicknamed ‘the castle’. The building is modeled after an 1841 stone library prototype at West Point. The building served as an Officers’ club and today is maintained by the Bayside Historical Society since the 1980’s.

This is the entrance to the chapel at 638 Total Avenue. This was the second chapel constructed between 1938 and 1939 on the site. The first wooden one was destroyed by fire.

The property has an almost country-like setting with front porches and so many trees.

207 Totten Avenue (constructed in 1905) is said to be the most ornate and imposing buildings on the property. The WPA (Works Progress Administration) rehabilitated the Colonial Revival style building it in 1937. It served as officers quarters until the late 1960’s.

These buildings were three-story barracks, built in 1892, to meet the housing needs of the fort. It would provide living space for 133 soldiers. The building was expanded a few times over the years. It stands abandoned.

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Building number 206 was the commanding officer’s quarters.

Constructed in 1905, this building was constructed to meet the recreational needs of the expanding population. The gym activities included weight lifting, punching bags, badminton and there was a tennis court located out back.

Built between 1926-1927, this was one of the many facilities constructed by the YMCA on army posts throughout the United States following World War I. It included a pool, library, and snack bar.

There are many buildings both abandoned and maintained on the property. Some of the architecture is pretty cool.

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Some of the homes even have water views.

The water view

A view of the Throgs Neck Bridge

This abandoned building was the hospital constructed in 1906 and the annex in 1914 for isolation patients.

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An old bleacher stand

502 Lee Road was built in 1900 as an ordinance shop for the assembly and repair of harbor mines or topedos and other artillery. It was located near the old tunnel down to the Water Battery. Now the Visitors Center, it was closed during my visit.

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Looking back at the waterfront park

I was not able to get to the old fort during my visit, I got caught up on all the other buildings that caught my attention. Maybe another visit for me is needed.

What you should know:

• There are walking trails.

• Public restrooms are available.

• Picnicking is allowed.

• There is a public pool on the property.

• Admission and parking is free.

Location: Totten Avenue and 15th Road, Fort Totten, NY 11359

For more information: Fort Totten