Fort Totten in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Main Magazine of Fort Totten
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
1. Main Magazine of Fort Totten Marker
Within the northeast corner of the Fort Totten Water Battery lies the “Main Magazine”. The Main Magazine consists of three vaulted rooms. The two larger rooms, numbers two and three, were used to store gun powder, while room number one was used to fill packets for cannons. Construction for the foundation of the Main Magazine began 1868 and was completed in 1873. Upon completion, the Main Magazine was covered with earth. The Main Magazine is constructed of re-enforced concrete and brick, with walls ranging from seventeen to thirty-six inches thick. The ceiling height in these rooms is 14 feet, measured at the crown of the arch. The electrical wiring found throughout the Main Magazine signifies efforts to modify the fort as new technologies and priorities developed.
Erected by City of New York Parks & Recreation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.
Location. 40° 47.789′ N, 73° 46.72′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in Queens County. It is in Fort Totten. Marker can be reached from Totten Road west of Ordinance Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located at the water battery
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Totten Park (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Fort Totten Park (approx. 0.4 miles away); The U.S.S. Newport (approx. 0.9 miles away); The U.S.S. St. Marys (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fort Schuyler (approx. 0.9 miles away); a different marker also named Fort Schuyler (approx. one mile away); S.S. United States (approx. one mile away); Commodore Leroy J. Alexanderson (approx. one mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
More about this marker. A diagram of the Main Magazine, showing all three rooms, appears at the right side of the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
2. Main Magazine of Fort Totten Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
3. Main Magazine of Fort Totten
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
4. Marker in the Fort Totten Battery
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
5. Inside the Main Magazine at Fort Totten
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
6. Entrance to Fort Totten
The marker is located inside Fort Toten.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 602 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
