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Fort Totten in Queens in Queens County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
 

319 Murray Ave.

Constructed in 1905

 
 
319 Murray Ave. Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 8, 2025
1. 319 Murray Ave. Marker
Inscription.
Original use: Post Gymnasium
Current use: Gymnasium for FDNY and EMS Classrooms

Building 319 was constructed to meet the recreational needs of the rapidly expanding population at Fort Totten. The Post Gymnasium was larger and more ornate than its predecessor, a frame building from the 1890s. The gym was built near the dwellings of officers so they could easily access the facility. It continues to function as a gym for the Fire Department of New York, with the second floor serving as classrooms for the Emergency Medical Services.

[Caption:]
This gym was open to all military personnel and their guests. Activities included badminton, bicycle trainers, weight lifting, punching bags, and other workout equipment. There was also an area with tennis courts located out back.

 
Erected by NYC Parks.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and CastlesParks & Recreational AreasSports. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list.
 
Location. 40° 47.41′ N, 73° 46.53′ W. Marker is in Queens, New York, in
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Queens County. It is in Fort Totten. It is on Sgt. Charles M. Beer south of Westaway Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 318 Murray Ave, Bayside NY 11359, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New York City and on Long Island. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 318 Murray Ave. (within shouting distance of this marker); 322 Story Ave. (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 332 Pratt Ave. (about 500 feet away); World Trade Center "Survivor Tree" Sprout (about 500 feet away); New York City Fire Department September 11 Memorial (about 500 feet away); 331 Pratt Ave. (about 600 feet away); 309 Pratt Ave. (about 600 feet away); 304 Shore Road
Building 319, the Gymnasium image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 8, 2025
2. Building 319, the Gymnasium
(approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Queens.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on September 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on June 19, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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Aug. 31, 2026