Fort Gibson: The New York Harbor System - Jersey City, NJ
Posted by: 
bluesnote
N 40° 41.937 W 074° 02.315
18T E 581223 N 4505782
One of a few historical markers on Ellis Island.
Waymark Code: WMTVMM
Location: New Jersey, United States
Date Posted: 01/10/2017
Views: 4
The plaque says, "Fort Gibson was among 40 forts constructed between 1794 and 1812 in the United States. All were built during threats of war resulting from attacks on American shipping by Great Britain and France, two dominant powers of the 18th and 19th centuries. These forts were the first defense systems set up by the new United States Government. Many of the forts in New York Harbor were constructed in this period, including Castle Williams on Governor's Island, Castle Clinton in lower Manhattan, and the star shaped Fort Wood, which now forms the base of the Statue of Liberty.
Together, the forts and batteries of the lower and upper harbor successfully deterred attacks on one of the nation's largest cities and most important ports. Most of these historic fortifications still exist; some, such as For Wadsworth on Staten Island, are still preserved by the National Park Service."
Group that erected the marker: National Park Service
Address of where the marker is located. Approximate if necessary:
Ellis Island, Jersey City, NJ
URL of a web site with more information about the history mentioned on the sign: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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