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. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 40° 47.789′ N, 73° 46.72′ W. Marker was
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in New York City. It was also in the American Northeast. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, the Western Hemisphere, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: 502 Lee Road (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battery King (about 700 feet away); Thorne-Wilkins Cemetery (approx. Ό mile away); 638 Totten Ave. (approx. Ό mile away); 207 Totten Ave. (approx. Ό mile away); 422 Weaver Ave. (approx. Ό mile away); Parade Ground (approx. 0.3 miles away); 208 Totten Ave. (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, May 5, 2013
2. Main Magazine of Fort Totten Marker
Another marker is no longer nearby. Fort Totten Park (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).
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
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 June 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 816 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 6, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
