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- Touring Fort Totten In New York City Is A Fun Idea
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There are massive networks of tunnels under many of the main cities of the world - and NYC is known to have secret tunnels. While most of the tunnels in New York City are closed to the public, it is possible to explore underground NYC's abandoned stations and tunnels on guided tours (there are numerous abandoned subway stations below the streets of NYC).
Not all the tunnels under NYC are old subway tunnels, drainage tunnels, and the like; there are also military tunnels in Queens. The extent of the tunnels under the forts Totten and Schuyler are shrouded in urban myth and legend - but they do have at least some tunnels to explore.
UPDATE: 2023/07/05 13:33 EST BY NOAH STAATS
Touring Fort Totten In New York City Is A Fun Idea
This article has been refreshed with new information regarding Fort Totten, as well as how to tour the property via Urban Park Ranger. Whether someone is a history buff or not, Fort Totten is a hidden gem in New York City and is certainly worth seeing.
The History Of Fort Totten In NYC - The Civil War Fort To Defend New York Harbor
Fort Totten, located in the NYC borough of Queens, was an old American army installation. It is set on the Willets Point peninsula on the northern shore of Long Island. The property is now owned by the City of New York. The history of the fort is from the Civil War times. It was built in 1862 and was initially called Fort at Willets Point. The fort was intended to defend the East River and its approach to the New York Harbor and complimented Fort Schuyler across from it. Perhaps surprisingly, its initial design was drawn up by Robert E. Lee in 1857.
- Fort Totten was created to defend the New York Harbor.
The fort was one of a number of forts in the seacoast defense of the USA that were begun in the first year of the Civil War. There are plenty of abandoned forts to discover all along the Eastern Seaboard, including the artificial island fort of Fort Carroll. One of the most impressive Civil War-era forts is Fort Jefferson, preserved in the Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida.
Fort Totten only had a short life and was soon abandoned after the war (masonry forts were considered obsolete). It was mostly used for casualty support and hospital care during the Civil War. The structure was never fully completed. It was also used again during the American Spanish War of 1898.
The Legendary Escape Tunnels Of Fort Totten
- There are said to be tunnels underneath the fort.
- One urban explorer claimed a dank corridor in the bowels of Fort Schuyler.
For many years there were myths and tales circulating that there was an escape passage between Fort Totten in Queens and Fort Schuyler in the Bronx - right under the convergence of East River and Long Island Sound. But it would seem that the technology didn't exist at the time to build a tunnel under 100 feet of water.
While this passage may not, in fact, exist, there are tunnels underneath the forts. Every urban legend has some basis of fact. One urban explorer reported exploring a dank corridor in the bowels of Fort Schuyler. The 18 inches of water may have made it impassable, but 150 years ago, the passageway may have been dry. It's likely the Fort Totten tunnel just goes to a dead end, but some speculate that behind the fort's bricked-up archway is a reservoir or cistern. But it may never be known as the city Parks Department has no plans to open up the archway.
Fort Totten may not have a tunnel as cool as an escape tunnel under the river with Fort Schuyler, but it does have tunnels. One of the tunnels was built in 1870 through the hillside to connect the fort's battery with the rest of the fort. It helped to transport ammo around the fort from the magazines to the batteries. That tunnel is believed to be the first vehicular tunnel in NYC. Visitors can explore the tunnel from the visitors center to the fort's water torpedo battery.
People Can Still Tour Fort Totten In New York City
To this day, visitors to Fort Totten in NYC can experience a tour of the property via a dedicated Urban Park Ranger. These tours are held regularly and are also available throughout the week to tourists in the area. Generally, an advanced reservation isn't required, but during peak times, this may be something to do. It's also worth noting that driving through Fort Totten is not for the public unless on a tour, as the NYPD and NYFD use this area.
- Tours of Fort Totten are available via an Urban Park Ranger.
- Information on guided tours can be found here: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/fort-totten-park
People who have been here claim it's almost more fun to walk than drive, so this may be a blessing in disguise. It's certainly a unique way to spend the day in New York City.
What To Know About Visiting Fort Totten & Its Tunnels Today
- Fort Totten is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.
- A small portion of this area is used by the Army and Coast Guard.
- Fort Totten is open to the public, where they can enjoy the scenery.
Fort Totten is owned by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (although a small part of it is still used by the Army and Coast Guard). It is now a park, and anyone can visit it.
Fort Totten Park is a great place to relax and enjoy both the relaxing setting and the Civil War history of New York City. Fort Totten Park is open year-round, and in the summer, people can swim in the pool, go out on a canoe, or just relax on the grassy edges.
Urban Park Rangers offer regular tours of the fortress as well as the surrounding wildlife. In the past, the Urban Park Rangers have also offered a Fort Totten Forgotten Tunnel Tour - check their website for any more tours of the tunnels. The tours delve into the stories of Fort Totten's role in defending New York City.
In London, take the time to explore the veritable city underground full of lost and secret tunnels.