Middletown Township near Highlands in Monmouth County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
This Is Why It’s Called Sandy Hook!
Inscription.
Fort Hancock was built on sand. To stabilize the ground, topsoil was imported in the early 1900s. A layer of earth several inches deep was added to the parade ground and to other areas around the post.
Fort Hancock was in operation from 1895 to 1974.
Erected by Gateway National Recreation Area. (Marker Number 37.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. In addition, it is included in the New Jersey - Fort Hancock Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 40° 27.566′ N, 74° 0.169′ W. Marker is near Highlands, New Jersey, in Monmouth County. It is in Middletown Township. Marker can be reached from Magruder Road, on the left when traveling north. Marker is located in the Fort Hancock area in the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. It can be seen on a walking trail by the parade grounds. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Highlands NJ 07732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Superstorm Sandy High Water Mark (within shouting distance of this marker); New York Yankees vs. Hometown Sluggers (within shouting distance of this marker); Sandy Hook Barracks Building #22 Built 1899 (within shouting distance of this marker); NOAA Fisheries Service (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Company, Attention! (about 500 feet away); Chow Time! (about 500 feet away); Women's Army Corps (WAC) (about 500 feet away); Discover Sandy Hook (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highlands.
More about this marker. The background of the marker features a picture of buildings in Fort Hancock, “The row of buildings was built in 1889 and photographed about 1900.”
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 14, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.