The Block House, Central Park
historic place
In New York, New York, within Central Park, stands The Block House. This historic place, also known as Blockhouse No. 1, was constructed between 1812 and 1814. It is located on an overlook in the North Woods section of the park. The Block House formed part of a series of fortifications built for the defense of New York during the War of 1812. Patriotic citizens hastily erected it to protect against a potential British invasion from the north. The tower's construction was completed on December 22, 1814. A historical marker at the site states, 'This blockhouse was part of a line of fortifications extending from the Hudson to the Harlem River built for the defense of New York by its patriotic citizens during the War of 1812-1815.' Today, The Block House is the oldest surviving structure originally built within the Central Park site. It provides a direct link to New York City's early military history.