Constitution Island in Philipstown in Putnam County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gravel Hill Battery
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 25, 2012
1. Gravel Hill Battery Marker
With its excellent field of fire, Gravel Hill Battery was the island’s key fortification against British ships. Constructed in the spring of 1776, after Fort Constitution’s inability to command the Hudson had become evident, it was destroyed during British operations in October 1777. The battery was rebuilt in 1778 as the island’s first fortification in the new West Point defensive complex.
This simple battery was hastily constructed in both 1776 and 1778. No stone masonry was used, and the earthen parapets were probably held in place by timber or fascines. The number of cannon in the battery varied; eleven were listed in 1776, six in 1778.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1777.
Location. 41° 24.129′ N, 73° 56.945′ W. Marker is in Philipstown, New York, in Putnam County. It is on Constitution Island. Marker is located on Constitution Island, near the picnic area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Garrison NY 10524, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Hill Cliff Battery (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Warner House
this page online
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, August 25, 2012
2. Gravel Hill Battery Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 24, 2011
3. Gravel Hill Battery Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 24, 2011
4. Marker on Constitution Island
This view of the marker looks south on Hudson River, in the direction of potential attacks from British occupied New York.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 24, 2011
5. Gravel Hill Battery Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, September 24, 2011
6. Constitution Island
The Gravel Hill Battery marker is located on Constitution Island, near the picnic area seen here.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 473 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 26, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 24, 2011, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
