New York Car Rentals and Fort Hamilton

The historic place known as Fort Hamilton can be found in the south western corner of Brooklyn near the communities of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Bensonhurst. The first stone for this fort was laid down in 1825 and the first garrison flag was raised in 1831. While many of the original structures are gone, part of the old fort remains on the grounds of the United States Army Fort Hamilton Garrison. Part of the fort was demolished with the construction of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, but there is plenty of history to learn about here when you stop by with your New York car rental. Many of the places you can visit here are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Colonels Row, the Fort Hamilton Community Club, Lee House, and the Harbor Defense Museum. Come for a visit with your New York car rental and you can find a museum that is virtually untouched and waiting for you to explore it.

It Started with a Shot

Fort Hamilton got its start on the 4th of July, 1776. A small American battery stood on the site where the fort now stands to facing the British troops as the American Revolution began. While the American troops were able to cause damage and some casualties to the HMS Asia, the British ship, the Brits were far more prepared and the damages were symbolic. However, this single event made the location at Fort Hamilton a recognized location for the revolution and it was then set aside for military purposes. You too can visit this historic site with your New York car rental.

After the American Revolution, the fort was again used during the War of 1812when it held off a British fleet without ever firing a shot. Some say that this event may have saved New York City from the same fate that came to Washington, in the form of invaders who burned down Washington. This was a pretty amazing accomplishment for the garrison that was still in its infancy. The importance of the location was realized, and after the cornerstone was laid. The cornerstone is still here for you to see when you visit with your New York car rental. Although the fort is today called "Fort Hamilton", it did not receive that name until the 20th century after the first Secretary of Treasury, Alexander Hamilton.

During the Civil War, Fort Hamilton was instrumental in protecting this part of New York from raiding Confederate armies. It also assisted in putting down the draft riots of 1863 in the city. Major changes to weapons technology at the end of the 19th century made the fort stronger. During the two World Wars, this was a major center for shipping people and equipment to Europe.

Visiting the Museum

Fort Hamilton is a very interesting place to visit with your New York car rental. The area is rich in history and pride for serving the New York are so well over the past two centuries. The museum is open for you to visit with your New York car rental Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Every month there are different special events that take place, so be sure to call ahead to find out what may be going on while you are in the area.