Fort Hancock is a former United States Army fort at Sandy Hook. Built in 1859, the coastal artillery base was decommissioned in 1974. Portions of the base remain intact, and the oldest working lighthouse in the nation stands on its grounds. Still, much of Fort Hancock in New Jersey is in disrepair. Without a doubt, this Sandy Hook abandoned military base is one of the most fascinating and haunting abandoned places in New Jersey.
The fort was active for over 100 years but was most utilized during WWII, hosting over 7,000 residents.
These residents included members of the Women's Army Corps along with African-American soldiers.
This was fairly significant as the military had not officially been desegregated yet.
The fort housed a number of defense systems to protect our coast including cannons, barbette guns, anti-aircraft guns, and Nike missiles.
From 1874 until 1919, Sandy Hook was used as a proving ground for the military’s latest experimental weaponry.
It is home to Battery Potter (pictured below), the first concrete disappearing gun battery built in America. You'll also find a holly forest here, usually off-limits. It is home to some of the oldest, largest, and rarest holly trees in America.
Fort Hancock is now part of the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area.
There is a museum to explore, but I would not recommend exploring the buildings themselves - they are structurally unsound and overflowing with poison ivy.
The NPS recently brought in Nubian goats who eat the ivy to help combat the issue. There's also an observation deck (visible above, in the fourth photo) that offers views like this.
Can you believe these buildings have only been vacant for about 40 years? It’s incredible to see how quickly Mother Nature is reclaiming her territory.
See what it’s like to explore Fort Hancock:
Lucky for us, much of the grounds at Fort Hancock in New Jersey are open to the public. Visitors can even enjoy guided tours, too; while guided tours are available from time to time, if you are into exploring on your own, the National Park Service put together this great brochure.
Have you been to Fort Hancock before? Let us know about your experience in the comments. If not, then it's time to book a trip to see it for yourself! For another intriguing abandoned site, check out the oldest working lighthouse in the United States,
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