Harbor Defense Museum

02/16/2026

Today, we celebrate George Washington, whose leadership shaped the founding of our Nation and whose faith informed his service. As Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, Washington recognized the essential role of chaplains in sustaining the moral and spiritual strength of the force. In 1775, he supported the Continental Congress’ authorization of military chaplains, affirming their place within the Army from its very beginning.

The U.S. Army Chaplain Corps continues that legacy by supporting the free exercise of religion and offering a steady presence to Soldiers and Families in every generation.

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12/12/2025

11/20/2025

Update:

The museum is reopened to the public.
Before visiting, please contact the museum to make an appointment by emailing [email protected]
Please be patient as the staff catches up on communications.
Thank you.

https://www.pbs.org/kenburns/the-american-revolution

Episode 3: The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777) features the Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn).
The battle began with one of the largest amphibious landings (over 400 vessels supported this operation), on the current site of USAG Fort Hamilton. Its worth watching.

Thirteen colonies unite in rebellion, win their independence, and found the United States. Stream the full documentary from Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt.

10/01/2025

During the government shutdown, we are taking a pause on social media activity. Please join us again once the government reopens.

The most recent government appropriations expired at 11:59p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be furloughed.

09/24/2025

👀👀👀
Right up the road.

On this day 245 years ago, American militiamen captured British Major John Andre at Tarrytown, New York. The night before, Andre had met with the commandant of the American defenses around West Point, Major General Benedict Arnold, to discuss Arnold surrendering the position and defecting to the British. News of Andre's capture reached Arnold only moments before a messenger arrived from General George Washington's entourage, informing Arnold that the commander-in-chief would be arriving at West Point shortly. Arnold fled to Hudson, hijacked a boat, and had himself rowed out to the HMS Vulture, a British sloop-of-war.

Arnold's treachery might have done fatal damage to the American cause as it went off as planned. Instead, it merely did fatal damage to Arnold's reputation. In the United States, he remains a reviled traitor in public memory (unlike other American soldiers who eventually took up arms against their former comrades, Arnold has no public monuments). In Britain, he was widely shunned as an amoral opportunist who fought not out of principle but for mercenary profit. Arnold never set foot in America after he traveled to England in 1781. He died in London on June 14, 1801, at the age of 60. He was buried without military honors.

09/11/2025

After the terrorists attack on 9/11/01, soldiers of the U.S. Army at USAG Fort Hamilton were deployed to Ground Zero.

Never forget.
Mourn the loss of those that died.
Sympathize with those injured and sick.
Remember and celebrate the patriotic resurgence that occurred in the aftermath.

Over the decades, many of the soldiers we have encountered at the museum, this event shaped their careers. We can never forget.

U.S. Army Center of Military History U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division West Point Museum Fort Hamilton MWR 10th Mountain Division & Fort Drum Museum 9/11 Memorial

08/27/2025

What is the connection between USAG Fort Hamilton and the Battle of Brooklyn?

USAG Fort Hamilton U.S. Army Center of Military History West Point Museum Bay Ridge Historical Society U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Atlantic Division

08/27/2025

08/13/2025

🎖️ Welcome CSM Eric Riding! On August 13, 2025, Fort Hamilton proudly welcomed Command Sgt. Maj. Eric Riding as the new garrison sergeant major. We look forward to his leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence as he joins the Fort Hamilton team. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Leon W. Mabra)

More Photos to follow - Stay Tuned :)

08/06/2025

07/31/2025

NEW ARMY HISTORY MAGAZINE NOW AVAILABLE!!

In the Spring 2025 issue of Army History, we are pleased to present two excellent articles, an in-depth look at a pair of extremely rare and nationally important Army artifacts, and a preview of a unique museum exhibit coming to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, as well as our usual crop of book reviews.

The first article, by Center of Military History historian Matthew Margis, examines the service of World War I National Guard soldier Francis Webster.

The second article, by Patrick O’Keefe, an active-duty Army major, examines the drive by Wehrmacht units of Army Group South during the initial days of Operation Barbarossa.

The Artifact Spotlight in this issue looks at a pair of pistols once owned by George Washington. Housed at the West Point Museum these pistols were given to Washington just after the winter at Valley Forge and have a very strong provenance. They will feature prominently during the museum’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.

This issue’s Museum Feature provides a preview of an upcoming exhibit at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Titled “Surviving the Devil’s Cauldron: The Enduring ‘Swaying Virgin’ of La Gleize,” this exhibit will honor the Monuments, Fine Arts, and Archives officers, also known as the “Monuments Men.”

To enjoy your FREE pdf download, visit;
https://history.army.mil/Portals/143/Images/Publications/ArmyHistoryMag/pdf/AH135.pdf

U.S. Army HISTORY