NPS/Gateway NRA Museum Collection

Fort Hancock's 9 gun battery being test fired, 1941.

National Parks are special places. These are places that tell the fascinating stories of our country and its vast and diverse natural and historical heritage.  At Gateway, these places tell the stories of our nation's defense, the golden age of aviation and the evolution of aviation technology, maritime safety, public recreation, natural resource protection, and the history of New York.

Our nation's defenses are a dominating feature of Gateway NRA's places. These locations defended New York City from attack in the War of 1812 (2nd system), Civil War (3rd system), Spanish-American War (Endicott system), World War I, World War II (New York Harbor Defenses 1907-1945) and the Cold War (Nike Missiles). Click on the links below to view a place of interest.