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The Hospital Corps, photographed in March 1910 at Fort Hancock
History on the Hook

Sandy Hook has played a role in defending and guiding ships through New York Harbor for more than two centuries.

Since 1764, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been a beacon for shipping.

During the American Revolution, the lighthouse was defended by British Loyalists, ensuring British access to New York City.

The Sandy Hook visitor center is a former U.S. Life-Saving Station, whose crew rescused victims of shipwrecks in the late 19th century.

The U.S. Army first fortified Sandy Hook during the War of 1812 and later tested weapons at the Sandy Hook Proving Ground. A century ago, Fort Hancock and its gun batteries were built to defend the harbor and protect New York City from attack by sea.

The Fort continued in this role by later adding anti-aircraft defenses and, in the 1950s, Nike Air Defense Missiles. Learn more about Fort Hancock's recent past - view, print or download Guardian Park: A History 1970-2003.

Today, many of Fort Hancock’s buildings are used by educational and environmental groups.

 The historic Sandy Hook lighthouse guided ships into New York HarborWorking women served at Sandy Hook's Fort Hancock in the Women's Army Corps during World War IICannon and the historic mule barn, from the time when munitions were moved by teams of mules