Blockhouse

Central Park’s oldest building, the Blockhouse is also the only remaining fortification of the many built in 1814 to defend against the British. It stands on the edge of a high precipice called “The Cliff.” The rugged stone structure once had a sunken wooden roof and mobile cannon that could be deployed quickly. Today, the Blockhouse is empty, roofless and securely locked. Although numerous paths lead to the site, solitary wandering is not advisable.